High cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and stress are all risk factors associated with coronary heart disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, not only is yoga a beneficial form of physical exercise, it may also help prevent and relieve heart disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol, reducing stress and lessening the severity of chest pain. Breathing exercises associated with yoga can further help cardiovascular patients in stress reduction.
Vinyasa Flow or Ashtanga
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. According to "Yoga Journal," some styles of yoga, such as Vinyasa Flow or Ashtanga, provide the aerobic exercise necessary to keep your heart healthy. These types of yoga use sun salutations and flowing sequences of movement to create a vigorous workout to promote circulation throughout the body.
Pranayama
Pranayama is a type of breath work associated with yoga that helps you gain control of your breath and control the energy in the body. When your exhalation is longer than you inhalation, explains "Yoga Journal," it triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps lower the heart rate and blood pressure. Engaging in a yoga class that incorporates pranayama or taking a separate pranayama class can help you learn to tap into the body's natural relaxation response, which helps control stress, reduce your heart rate and blood pressure and relax your muscles. Research conducted by the Department of Internal Medicine at Italy's University of Pavia in 2001 found that slow yoga breathing maintains better blood oxygenation and counteracts the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which increases heart rate and blood pressure.
Cardiac Yoga
Cardiac Medical Yoga is a treatment plan developed by M. Mala Cunningham, PhD, certified acupuncturist, yoga instructor and assistant professor at the University of Virginia Medical School. Specifically targeted toward the needs of cardiovascular patients, Cardiac Yoga combines gentle yoga postures and breathing exercises with techniques for stress reduction, relaxation and mind-body awareness. Patients may use pillows, chairs and other props to help them correctly access postures in a safe and comfortable manner. Yoga postures used in Cardiac Yoga include gentle twists, seated postures and restorative postures to promote a deep state of relaxation. The program's curriculum is geared toward helping heart patients increase their lung capacity, reduce stress, build muscle, address emotional needs and develop a heart-healthy lifestyle.
