ROLE OF ATICHINTANA IN THE ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF HRIDROGA: AN AYURVEDIC-BIOMEDICAL CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Hridroga is described in Ayurveda as a disorder of the Hridaya, an organ that functions as the seat of Manas, Prana, Ojas, Sadhaka Pitta, and Vyana Vayu, making it highly susceptible to psychological disturbances. Need of the Study: Among the Manasika Nidanas, Atichintana (persistent excessive thinking) is considered as an important psychosomatic factor that disrupts Sadhaka Pitta and Vyana Vayu, leading to Rasa-Rakta Dushti, Hridaya Khavaigunya, and the development of Hridroga a mechanism that remains underexplored in correlation with modern stress-cardiac pathophysiology. Aim: This review explores the classical Ayurvedic mechanism linking Atichintana with Hridroga and correlates it with contemporary evidence on chronic stress, autonomic dysregulation, cortisol excess, endothelial dysfunction, psychogenic hypertension, and stress-induced cardiomyopathy. Material and Method: A conceptual review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts alongside a targeted search of contemporary biomedical literature, synthesising classical Doshic mechanisms with current psychocardiology evidence. Result: The available evidence suggests that Atichintana is a modifiable risk factor for cardiac dysfunction, highlighting the potential role of Nidana Parivarjana, Sattvavajaya Chikitsa, Medhya Rasayana, and Achara Rasayana as supportive strategies for cardiovascular health. Conclusion: These findings support an integrative approach to psychosomatic cardiac disease, combining Ayurvedic mind-body interventions with conventional cardiac care further evidence-based clinical studies are required to validate these concepts.