Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Ayurveda identifies heart palpitations, known as Hritkampa, as a primary symptom of Rasa Dhatu diminution, which is fundamentally linked to Anemia or Pandu Roga. This condition occurs when vitiated Pitta dosha invades the heart, disturbing the stability of Vata and causing irregular rhythms. Because the heart is the seat of Ojas and the root of the Rasavaha Srotas, nutritional depletion forces the heart to work harder. Treatment focuses on rebuilding blood quality and stabilizing rhythms using formulations like Navayasa Churna, Saptamrta Lauha, and Arjunarishta. Herbs such as Amalaki and Arjuna are essential for nourishing plasma and strengthening cardiac muscles.
That sudden, alarming fluttering in your chest when you are already feeling exhausted is more than just a passing moment of stress; it is a physiological SOS from your blood. This article covers the profound Ayurvedic connection between palpitations (Hritkampa) and anemia (Pandu Roga), exploring how these conditions stem from the same vital depletion. You should trust this information because it is grounded in the clinical standards of the Charaka Samhita and the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Let's look at how restoring balance to your body's vital essences can calm your heart's rhythm.
In Ayurveda, palpitations are described as Hritkampa (heart-trembling) or Hridrava, which are primary signs of the diminution of Rasa Dhatu (plasma). Anemia is known as Pandu Roga, a condition characterized by a pale, yellowish-white complexion due to a deficiency in the quality of the blood. This disorder is classified as an imbalance where the Pitta dosha becomes aggravated and locates in the heart, subsequently disturbing the stability of Vata. This dual imbalance leads to qualities of roughness and lightness in the body, causing the heart to beat erratically.
** Rebuilding Vital Plasma (Rasa) - **
Herbs like Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) nourish the plasma tissue, which ancient texts state directly alleviates heart aching and palpitations.
** Cardiotonic Strength - **
Classical formulations such as Arjunarishta (Parthadyarishta) act as cardiotonics that provide essential strength to the heart muscle while rebuilding vitality.
** Bioavailable Iron Support - **
Iron-rich medicines like Navayasa Churna are processed with blood-purifying herbs to treat anemia and heart disease simultaneously without causing gastric irritation.
** Calming Erratic Rhythm** -
Medicated ghees like Dhatryadi Ghrita provide cooling unctuousness that grounds the "mobile" quality of an anxious heart and treats underlying exhaustion.
Ayurvedic medicine believes that the heart is the seat of Ojas (the essence of life) and the root of the Rasavaha Srotas (the channels carrying nutrients). When you have palpitations with anemia, your internal plasma is "thirsty," forcing the heart to work harder to circulate depleted nutrients. Formulations like Saptamrta Lauha use "processed iron" combined with digestive stimulants to ensure that the Agni (digestive fire) correctly transforms food into healthy blood. This prevents the buildup of Ama (metabolic toxins), clearing the channels so the heart can beat with stable, calm energy.
Those with a Vata-Pitta constitution, who naturally tend toward lightness and internal heat, will find the most relief from these cooling and grounding heart tonics. It is also highly effective for individuals suffering from Daurbalya (chronic debility) or those recovering from illnesses where body tissues have been wasted. Delicate groups like pregnant women or children with nutritional deficiencies should use mild, specialized versions like Phala Ghrita or Aravindasava.
The Charaka Samhita describes the heart as the "central girder" of the entire body. In the context of Pandu Roga (anemia), the heart is viewed as being "pressed" by vitiated doshas, which steal the body's natural lustre. Treatment focuses on Samshodhana (bio-cleansing) to remove obstructions followed by Rasayana (rejuvenative) therapy to permanently stabilize the heart's vital breath.
A 2016 systematic review published in Ayu highlights that traditional Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulations show favorable safety profiles with minimal side effects compared to conventional iron salts when administered under professional auspices. Furthermore, clinical research on Terminalia arjuna confirms that this classical Ayurvedic cardiotonic herb demonstrates measurable improvements in cardiac function, which modern science identifies as crucial for managing the increased workload the heart faces in iron deficiency.
Why does anemia cause a racing heart?
In Ayurveda, low blood volume (Rasa-Rakta Ksaya) causes the heart to ache and palpitate even on slight exertion.
Can I take Ayurvedic iron with milk?
Yes, taking iron Bhasmas with milk or honey helps soothe the stomach and increases absorption.
How long before my heart rhythm stabilizes?
While acute symptoms can feel better quickly, rebuilding the blood tissues usually requires 7 to 21 days of consistent treatment.
Managing palpitations with anemia requires a dual approach: nourishing the blood with processed iron and stabilizing the heart with specialized cardiotonics like Arjuna. By addressing the root tissue depletion rather than just the heart rhythm, Ayurveda offers a sustainable path to vitality. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor on Sanatan Ayurveda for a personalized recommendation.
Iron deficiency anemia - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Explains that anemia can cause rapid heartbeat and heart palpitations due to low oxygen delivery.
Anemia - Iron-Deficiency Anemia | NHLBI, NIH
Official NIH source discussing symptoms such as irregular heartbeat and cardiovascular strain from anemia.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Covers symptoms including palpitations, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Signs, Symptoms, Complications
Specifically explains how low hemoglobin can make the heart work harder, leading to palpitations.
Mentions irregular heartbeat and palpitations as common anemia symptoms.
Can Anemia Cause Heart Palpitation?
Detailed explanation of why anemia causes fluttering or pounding heartbeat sensations.
Research article discussing the relationship between anemia and heart rhythm disturbances.
PubMed – Anemia: A Cause of Intolerance to Thyroxine Sodium
Clinical paper where patients with anemia experienced palpitations until iron deficiency was corrected.
Palpitations: A Practical Approach - PMC
Medical review identifying anemia as a recognized systemic cause of palpitations.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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