Yoga for heart
It has been revealed from various research studies that chronic stress is the main factor of heart and other systemic disorders. Sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve controls helps in evaluating the heart rate variability (HRV) due to stress and anxiety. Yoga particularly Hatha yoga practice is a best remedy to reduce occupational stress. In a research study, a 10 week yoga practice program was conducted during lunch hours in an organization to evaluate the role of yoga on heart rate and other cardiovascular diseases. In this study the researchers study the parallel-arm RCT results between two groups one was the assigned treatment group practicing yoga and the other was the no-treatment or control group. All subjects under study participate in the program in groups three times per week for a 10-week yoga program at their work place during launch hours. An experienced instructor was supervising the program. All the basic yoga sequences like Asanas (poses and postures), Vinyasa( exercises), Pranayama( breathing exercise) and Mindfulness meditation were followed during this program. Measurements of the HRV was studied prior to and following the intervention period and also after 6 months follow-up. The measure of parasympathetic autonomic control and high frequency (HF) spectral power component of HRV are the basic outcomes of this study. Psychological status and physical working of the subjects under were also measured during and after the program. Additional frequency and time domains of HRV were also measured for study.
It was evaluated from this study that workplace yoga practice has positive effects on cardiovascular system. Worksite-based yoga effect positively the physical and mental health of the person. It helps in reducing the worksite stress and reduces the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
In another research study conducted in Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Uttar Pradesh, India effects of yoga practice was evaluated in reducing body fat and maintaining lipid profile in patients with coronary artery disease. In this study 170 patients having coronary heart disease were randomly selected from Cardiology Hospital. These patients were divided into two groups at random. One group having 85 subjects both male and female, is the yoga practicing group and the other group also having 85 patients is a yoga non- practicing group. Duration of the program for study was 35-40min/day for 6-month period. Basal values of the body fat and lipid profile of both groups were recorded before the Yoga for heart program. After 6-month period of yoga intervention, the lipid profile and body fat testing was done again on subjects of both groups.
It was evaluated from this study that BMI (p<0.04), SBP (p<0.002), , heart rate (p<0.0001), fat % (p<0.0002), fat free mass (p<0.04), DBP (p<0.009) total cholesterol (p<0.0001), triglycerides (p<0.0001), HDL (p<0.0001) and low density lipoprotein (p<0.04) show significant results after the yoga for heart program. There was evident reduction in the total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, DBP, SBP, and heart rate after a regular practice of Yoga for 6-month period. It was concluded from this research study that yoga is beneficial for cardiac patients and reduces the risk of coronary artery
disease.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21771340
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21641516
Author: Dr Rubinamushtaq
rubinamushtaq@hotmail.com
skype: drrubina1