The effects of yoga on cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, congenital heart di­sease, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. The most important behavioral risk factors for heart disease and stroke are poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and harmful alcohol use. The impact of behavioral risk factors may manifest in each individual as high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, overweight, and obesity. The purpose of this study was to give a thorough scientific analysis of yoga’s contribution to the management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and related risk factors. The records are collected from several databases. We performed an extensive search of the PubMed/Medline electronic database. However, it is believed that the risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by adjusting for several risk factors, such as increasing physical activity and using relaxation to reduce stress, both of which are elements of yoga. As yoga has become an increasingly popular form of exercise, it could be an important intervention for primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention. Evidence suggests that regular exercise can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and it is beneficial when included in primary and secondary prevention strategies. This review assessed the effectiveness of yoga in reducing various cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, weight, body mass index, lipid profile, blood sugar). There is promising evidence that the practice of yoga improves cardiovascular health. Yoga practice length has a beneficial relationship with reducing the risk of сardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies used limited sample numbers, varied the forms and lengths of their yoga treatments, and omitted information on the processes behind change. The prevention and management of cardiovascular illnesses and associated risk factors, however, might be greatly aided by yoga. To even further understand the numerous possible mechanisms behind yoga’s effects, more research is necessary.

Keywords

• cardiovascular disease
• cardiovascular disease risk factors
• diabetes mellitus
• yoga