NORMAL BP with high pulse after sarpgandha 100mg - #32157
Can arjun and sarpgandha combination increase heart rate to 110 while BP is 120/83 for a stroke patient with high blood pressure. No other medication being taken for heart but pressure went down with arjun and sarpgandha 100 mg each powder.


Doctors’ responses
Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) and Sarpgandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) are indeed often used in Ayurveda for managing cardiovascular conditions. While it’s encouraging to see a reduction in blood pressure with their use, it’s important to carefully examine the increase in heart rate. Typically, Arjun helps in strengthening heart muscles and Sarpgandha aids in reducing blood pressure; however, their effects can vary widely depending on individual prakriti and existing conditions.
In some cases, especially with Sarpgandha, the decrease in blood pressure might paradoxically lead to a reflexive increase in heart rate as the body tries to maintain adequate circulation. However, this should normally be a transient response. The increase to a heart rate of 110 bpm could be a result of various factors: such as potential side effects or an imbalance in cardiac vayu (prana vayu), the subdosha that governs heartbeat rhythm.
Given the stroke history and the absence of other heart medications, it’s crucial to manage this condition with caution. First, ensure that hydration levels are adequate, as dehydration can affect heart rate. Assess dietary salt (lavana) intake; excessive salt might trigger a rise in heart rate. Include cooling, heart-calming herbs like Brahmi or Shatavari, which support overall nervous system function.
If the high heart rate persists or worsens, or if there are any symptoms like dizziness, chest discomfort, or breathlessness, it’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention to rule out more urgent issues. Always keep communication open with a healthcare provider when making changes in herbal regimens, especially with a history of cardiovascular events. Consider consulting a healthcare provider or an ayurvedic physician to tailor this combination correctly to your individual needs and monitor it effectively. Moreover, be mindful that abrupt cessation of Sarpgandha should also be avoided, as it can lead to withdrawal spikes in blood pressure or heart rate.
It is unusual for a combination of Arjuna and Sarpgandha to significantly increase heart rate, as these are traditionally used in Ayurveda to help manage blood pressure and support heart health. Arjuna is known for its cardioprotective properties, often utilized to enhance cardiovascular function and stabilize lipid profiles, while Sarpgandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) is used to lower high blood pressure. However, individual responses can vary – especially given the precision with which herbs might interact with your body’s unique prakriti, or constitution as well as your current health status.
A heart rate of 110 beats per minute is higher than typical resting rates and can be concerning, particularly for someone with a history of stroke or other cardiovascular issues. Moreover, given that there are no other medications involved, it’s pivotal to understand whether there’s an underlying imbalance that the herbs might be inadvertently highlighting or affecting.
It might be beneficial to assess your current lifestyle and health habits as they may play a crucial role. Regular monitoring of your heart rate and blood pressure is recommended. Herbal formulations should be tailored to your dosha balance among vata, pitta, and kapha. Excess Pitta or Vata, in particular, could manifest in increased heart activity or restlessness.
Consider consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner to reassess the appropriate dosage and suitability of these herbs for your current needs. Meanwhile, incorporating calming practices such as deep breathing exercises can help moderate heart rate and anxiety. If the high heart rate persists or if there are additional concerning symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or breathlessness, seek immediate medical evaluation to rule out any acute complications.

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