Exercise as it relates to Disease/Effects of Yoga on Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular disease: definition and significance
Cardiovascular disease is defined by a physiological dysfunction in the heart and/or the blood vessels. The following is a list of common cardiovascular diseases:

•	Coronary heart disease

•	Cerebrovascular disease

•	Peripheral arterial disease

•	Rheumatic heart disease

•	Congenital heart disease

•	Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, taking 17.5 million lives in 2012

Yoga: definition and benefits
The practice of yoga is thought to have originated in India and has been used for mind-body engagement for thousands of years. Yoga pairs meditation with balance, body weight movements and stretches. It’s believed that yoga alters the hormonal and sympathetic neuronal pathways in the body to bring a sense of general wellbeing while improving metabolic status and reducing inflammatory action. It has also been suggested that yoga alters the body’s preference toward the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in improved cardiac vagal reactivity, energy levels and mood.

Yoga in cardiovascular disease: prevention and treatment
Due to the range of factors that can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, many studies have been conducted to determine whether yoga assists with different physiological functions. Research has found that yoga may protect against/improve cardiovascular disease. Specific mechanisms include:

•	Improving serum lipid levels

•	Decreasing blood pressure,            including in type 2 diabetics

•	Controlling LDL cholesterol

•	Improving parasympathetic activity in heart failure patients

•	Regressing atherosclerosis

•	Reducing peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure-rise in response to stress

Recommendations
As research on this topic is inconclusive and a dose-response relationship has not been established, there is currently no prescription for improving cardiovascular health by practicing yoga. Most research settings have been loosely controlled or contained small sample sizes. Some publications have also been heavily biased. In spite of this, the positive effects that yoga may have on cardiovascular and general health justify its popularity and far outweigh the risk of injury from practicing yoga. The recommended approach is to incorporate yoga into a physical activity regime that also includes aerobic and strength training in an independent or social setting. All individuals should consult with their physician before commencing a new physical activity program.