Abstract

DECODING DYSLIPIDEMIA: UNDERSTANDING AYURVEDIC NIDANA IN THE PRESENT ERA

Dr. Sharma Masum^* and Prof. Dr. Ojha Aruna

Abstract

Dyslipidemia, also known as dyslipemia, is a medical condition characterized by abnormal lipid levels in the blood. These lipids include: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Commonly referred to as "bad cholesterol" High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as "good cholesterol" Triglycerides: A form of fat used by the body for energy. In dyslipemia, lipid levels become imbalanced, typically with elevated LDL or decreased HDL. It is often described as a “silent killer” because it asymptomatically contributes to the development of atherosclerotic plaques within arteries, thereby reducing blood flow and potentially leading to serious health complications. These include cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular accidents, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, organ damage (e.g., to the kidneys, liver, or eyes), and pancreatitis (because of inflammation) etc. Dyslipidemia can be classified as: Primary (Genetic) Dyslipidemia: because of genetic mutations. Secondary (Acquired) Dyslipidemia: Due to lifestyle choices (e.g., unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol use) or medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and liver disorders. Certain medications, including corticosteroids and antipsychotics, may affect lipid profiles. From an Ayurvedic perspective, lifestyle habits such as lack of exercise (Avyayama), mental stagnation (Achinta), daytime sleep (Diwaswapna), excessive intake of unctuous and sweet foods (Atisnigdha, Madhura Ahara), overeating (Adhyashana), and genetic predisposition (Beejaswabhava) lead to vitiation of Medovaha Srotas. This causes an imbalance in Kapha Dosh and Meda Dhatu, ultimately impairing Medodhatvagni (fat tissue metabolism) and resulting in the accumulation of "sama" Kapha and Meda in the body's channels (Srotas). This obstruction, particularly in the Rasa-Raktavaha Srotas, hampers the flow of Vata and Rakta, a condition analogous to Dyslipidemia.

Keywords: Dyslipidemia, Abnormal lipid level, Cardiovascular risk, Lifestyle Factors.