ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Distal Radial Artery Dimensions in Different Body Constitutions (Prakriti)- an Observational Study

Background: The fundamental principle of ayurveda is the tridosha theory (three doshas). These dosha are the causative and governing bio-energies responsible for the formation of body constitution. The vata dosha dominant personality have classical features like a small body frame when compared to kapha with large body built and broad anatomical structures. Pittaja body constitution has medium body built with reddish colouration and sharp features.

Aim: This study aimed to correlate the radial artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and luminal diameter (LD) and further study its association with different body constitution (prakriti) and check the difference between the groups of prakriti.

Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was done between May 2021 and June 2021 in the Department of Radiology, KLE Prabhakar Kore Charitable Hospital, Belagavi. Non-randomly selected volunteers ≥23 ±5years (n = 35) were divided into body constitution (prakriti) groups and evaluated for the IMT, LD (luminal diameter) of the radial artery using B-mode ultrasonography. Pearson’s co-relation was used to test the corelation between the luminal diameter and intimae media thickness of distal radial artery. Chi-square test of independence was used to check the association between luminal diameter and intimae media thickness of distal radial artery with body constitution. One-way ANOVA was used to study the difference between the groups of prakriti.

Results: The mean luminal diameter (LD) in vataja body constitution (5%) was 1.450 ± 0.495 mm, pittaja body constitution (11%) was 1.750±0.10 mm, kaphaja constitution (11%) was 1.70± 0.30 mm, vatapittaja body constitution (11%) was 4.15±0.47 mm, vatakaphaja body constitution (26%) was 1.64±0.83 mm, pittakaphaja constitution (23%) as 2.3±0.15 mm and samadhatuja constitution (11%) had 1.8±0.189 mm. The mean intima media thickness (IMT) in vataja body constitution (5%) was 0.05± 0 mm, pittaja body constitution (11%) was 0.03±0 mm, kaphaja constitution (11%) was 0.05± 0.014 mm, vatapittaja body constitution (11%) was 0.107±0.09 mm, vatakaphaja body constitution (26%) was 0.83±0.07 mm, pittakaphaja constitution (23%) was 0.313±0.006 mm and samadhatuja constitution (11%) had 0.350 ± 0.012 mm.

As per the analysis a low positive Pearson’s correlation was found between IMT and LD (r = 0.254) between the luminal diameter (LD) and intima medial thickness (IMT) of distal radial artery. Chi square test of independence has shown significant association between DRA dimensions (IMT, LD) and body constitution (prakriti), palpatory blood vessel consistency. Among the observed values the vatakaphaja body constitution (0.83±0.07 mm) had increased intima media thickness (IMT). Among all the observed values the vatapittaja body constitution had broadest DRA luminal diameter (LD) of 4.15±0.47mm. One way ANOVA showed no significant difference between the groups of prakiti and IMT, LD of distal radial artery.

Conclusion: As per the observations of the present study different body constitution (prakriti) did not show any significant impact on distal radial artery dimensions (IMT and LD) as there are various factors like hormones, neural, blood volume regulators involved in vascular constriction and dilation. The prakriti assessment is a strong marker for prediction and the early diagnosis of diseases. This body constitution (prakriti) of an individual is the basic constituent on which the pulse wave variability of distal radial artery (DRA) acts.