In recent years, the ancient practice of yoga has emerged as a transformative force in promoting holistic well-being, with a particular focus on cardiovascular health. This article delves into a wealth of scientific findings that highlight the remarkable impact of yoga on various cardiovascular parameters.
Yoga's influence extends beyond the physical realm, as Yoga has significantly decreased oxygen consumption, heart rate, and diastolic blood pressure. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of hypertension due to a decrease in the frequency and intensity of proprioceptive and enteroceptive impulse traffic reaching the hypothalamus . Yoga has aided in the regression of coronary lesions, improving myocardial perfusion, and bringing symptomatic improvement in angiographically proven coronary artery disease patients . Pranayama breathing has increased parasympathetic activity, i.e., reduced basal heart rate, increased valsalva ratio, and deep breathing differences in heart rate; and has reduced sympathetic activity, i.e., a reduction in the fall of systolic blood pressure on posture variation and BMI .
It has improved cardiovascular risk factors (namely maximal O2 consumption - VO2max and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) in middle-aged and older women, and many practitioners claim that yoga has also lowered their cholesterol.
The cardiovascular system of the human body includes the heart and its arteries. Being isometric, Yoga Asanas rely on holding muscle tension for a short period of time. This improves cardiovascular fitness and circulation.
Many surveys show that regular yoga practice may help normalize blood pressure. For example, the stomach lift raises the diaphragm, which in turn massages the heart from below. This strengthens the heart muscle, resulting in better circulation and a lower possibility of heart disease. Many yoga asanas, e.g., Shirshasana, Sarvangasana, Viparita Karni, Hahsana, Mayurasana, and a few pranayamas, specifically influence blood circulation, bringing blood pressure to normal levels. This is achievable through regular practice of Shavasana."