Yoga and Cardiovascular Diseases - A Mechanistic Review.

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Cardiology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice combining physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.
• A healthy lifestyle, including practices like yoga, is crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• Existing evidence suggests yoga's potential role in CVD prevention, but underlying mechanisms require detailed exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and delineate the potential mechanisms through which yoga influences cardiovascular health.
• To explore yoga's role in preventing cardiovascular diseases and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating yoga's physiological effects on cardiovascular health.
• Analysis of mechanisms including autonomic nervous system modulation, oxidative and inflammatory stress reduction, endothelial function, and epigenetic changes.

Main Results:

• Yoga favorably modulates the autonomic nervous system, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
• Practice is associated with decreased oxidative and inflammatory stress markers.
• Yoga improves endothelial function and may induce beneficial epigenetic modifications.
• These effects collectively contribute to preventing cardiovascular diseases and delaying risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Yoga exerts multifaceted beneficial effects on cardiovascular health through various physiological pathways.
• Regular yoga practice shows significant potential in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors.
• Further research into yoga's long-term impact and specific protocols for cardiovascular health is warranted.