7 Proven Benefits of Yoga for Heart Health

Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, has been gaining global popularity due to its numerous health benefits. But did you know that yoga can be particularly beneficial for your heart? Let’s dive into the research-backed benefits of yoga for heart health.

1. Jump to Article Content

   Toggle

   Reduces Stress and Improves Quality of Life

   

   • A study titled “A comparative study to show the improvement in quality of life by short-term and long-term meditation by raj yoga meditation to reduce stress” highlighted that meditation, a key component of yoga, brings about biochemical and physical changes in the body. These changes, collectively termed the ‘relaxation response,’ can lead to improvements in metabolism, heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure.

2. Improves Cardiometabolic Health in Pregnant Women

   • Research on “Improvement in Fetomaternal Outcomes and Cardiovascular Health in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus following a Short-course Yoga Therapy” showed that a structured short-course yoga module led to significant reductions in heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels in pregnant women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.







3. Enhances Heart Rate Variability

   • A study on “Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Stress, Heart Rate Variability, Affect, and Wellbeing among People with Schizophrenia” found that participants who practiced MBSR, which includes yoga postures, experienced a significant improvement in heart rate variability, a marker of heart health.

4. Lowers Bad Cholesterol Levels

   • According to a study on “The effect of yoga practice on lipid profiles in patients with chronic heart failure”, yoga practice, when combined with standard medical therapy, led to a significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

5. Supports Cardiac Rehabilitation

   • The “Yoga and Cardiovascular Health Trial (YACHT)” hypothesized that yoga could be associated with improvements in cardiovascular function in patients suitable for cardiac rehabilitation, a program designed to strengthen cardiovascular health.







6. Optimizes Hospital Workflows During Pandemics

   • While not directly related to heart health, a study on “Simulation and Improvement of Patients’ Workflow in Heart Clinics during COVID-19 Pandemic Using Timed Coloured Petri Nets” showed how hospitals can use workflow modeling to manage healthcare systems during challenging times, ensuring that heart patients receive timely care.







7. Promotes Dietary Awareness for Cardiovascular Health

   • The American Heart Association’s statement on “Rapid Diet Assessment Screening Tools for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Across Healthcare Settings” emphasizes the importance of diet in cardiovascular health. While yoga itself promotes mindfulness, it often encourages practitioners to adopt a balanced and heart-healthy diet.

Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can offer a myriad of benefits, especially for your heart. As always, if you’re considering starting a yoga practice, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals to ensure it’s suitable for your individual needs.