Yoga and Cardiovascular Diseases - A Mechanistic Review

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that involves the mind and body. It is a combination of physical exercises and postures with a focus on deep breathing and meditation. Yoga thereby promotes a healthy lifestyle which is one of the key factors in the prevention of various cardiovascular diseases. The practice of yoga might hence be effective in preventing the onset of these diseases. Yoga exerts its beneficial effects by favorable modulation of the autonomic system, reduction in oxidative stress, decreased inflammatory stress, improved endothelial function, and epigenetic changes. These changes might contribute not only to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases but also to delaying and preventing the onset of various modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. This review aims to delineate the possible mechanisms of the effect of yoga on cardiovascular health and its potential beneficial effects.