Is Yoga the Key to a Healthy Heart?

Article By Dr.Kristie


Most people go to their yoga class because it’s relaxing; but practicing yoga may be effective not only for relieving stress but also for heart health. It’s hardly surprising that the practice of yoga would be good for the heart since the gentle stretching and breathing exercises help to lower blood pressure. But, that may not be the only way that doing yoga poses is good for heart health.

The Practice of Yoga for Heart Health: A Study
A study published in the International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics showed that the practice of yoga can alter the way the central nervous system controls heart rate. The heart rate is controlled by two different and opposing parts of the nervous system – the sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic nervous system speeds up the heart rate in response to exercise or stress, while the parasympathetic system slows it down during times of meditation or relaxation. Researchers believe that the practice of yoga with the emphasis on stretching, meditation, and relaxation helps to strengthen the parasympathetic nervous system so it can more effectively slow down the heart rate.

Yoga for Heart Health: Can It Help People with Heart Disease?
The health benefits of practicing yoga on heart health haven’t gone unnoticed by the medical community. There are several current studies looking at how yoga affects heart rate variability in patients with heart failure. Another study published in 2004 found that patients with coronary artery disease who practiced yoga training for one year not only reduced their LDL cholesterol, but also experienced some regression of their heart disease which was confirmed by angiography.

The Practice of Yoga: Other Health Benefits
People who practice yoga also describe other health benefits such as an improved ability to deal with stress, better sleep patterns, more energy, and an overall better mood. Some studies even show that yoga helps with weight control. The key to yoga’s health benefits may be that it promotes a healthier interaction between the mind and body. 

Should You Practice Yoga for Heart Health?
Because the practice of yoga involves primarily stretching exercises, it’s safe for most people who with heart disease or who have had a heart attack. Practicing yoga can have significant benefits for the heart, but it’s best when combined with aerobic and resistance training for a comprehensive program for heart health. Of course, exercise, even yoga, may not be suitable for all people, so it’s important to check with your doctor first – particularly if you have medical problems.