Yoga Helps Patients With Heart Disease
Did you know yoga can help patients with heart disease? Learn about the connection between yoga and heart health.
Written by Dr Shreya Sarkar
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Yoga is an ancient practice that combines stretching, breathing exercises, and meditation. It started in India thousands of years ago and is now practised all over the world for its benefits to the body and mind. Yoga helps people relax, become more flexible, and grow stronger. This makes it a great way to improve overall health.
Connection Between Yoga and Heart Health
Yoga is becoming a popular way to take care of your heart. It helps lower stress, reduce blood pressure, and improve how blood flows through the body. By calming the mind and keeping the body healthy, yoga works well with traditional treatments for heart problems and can help people feel better overall.
Understanding Heart Disease
Understanding heart disease involves exploring its various types, underlying causes, and the key risk factors that contribute to its development, helping to inform prevention and treatment strategies.
Types of Heart Disease
Heart disease is when the heart or blood vessels don’t work correctly. Here are some common types:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): When the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked or narrowed.
Heart Failure: When the heart isn’t strong enough to pump blood properly.
Arrhythmias: When the heart beats too fast, too slow, or unevenly.
Valvular Heart Disease: When the valves in the heart don’t work as they should, making it harder for blood to flow correctly.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Heart disease can happen because of several reasons, including:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Being overweight
Diabetes
Stress
Not getting enough exercise
Family history of heart problems
Benefits of Yoga for Heart Disease
Stress Reduction and Heart Health
Stress is one of the main causes of heart problems. Yoga helps people relax by calming the nervous system and lowering stress hormones like cortisol. Practicing yoga regularly can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and make it easier to focus. All of these things are good for the heart.
Improving Circulation and Blood Pressure
Yoga helps blood flow better through the body by relaxing the blood vessels. Some poses, like gentle forward bends and twists, encourage healthy circulation. Yoga also lowers blood pressure, which reduces the amount of work the heart has to do.
Enhancing Heart Function and Flexibility
Yoga makes the heart stronger and helps it pump blood more effectively. Gentle stretches and movements improve flexibility, which supports heart and lung function. Breathing exercises, called pranayama, help the body take in more oxygen, which is good for the heart and lungs.
Scientific Research on Yoga and Heart Disease
Studies show that yoga has many benefits for the heart:
A study in The European Society of Cardiology found that people who practised yoga had lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Research showed that yoga improved heart rate and blood pressure, which is a sign of better heart health overall.
Although these studies are promising, more research is needed. Many studies only involve a small number of people and don’t track long-term results. Better research can help confirm how yoga improves heart health and guide people on how to practice it effectively.
Yoga Practices for Heart Health
Some yoga poses are especially good for the heart:
Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Helps you stand tall and breathe deeply, promoting calmness.
Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Improves blood flow and strengthens the body.
Child’s Pose (Balasana): Relaxes the body and mind.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Opens the chest and helps blood flow to the heart.
Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Encourages relaxation and better circulation.
Breathing and meditation are important parts of yoga that help the heart:
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana): Balances the body and reduces stress.
Deep Belly Breathing: Helps the body get more oxygen and feel calm.
Mindfulness Meditation: Relaxes the mind and lowers blood pressure.
Yoga Routine Guidelines for Beginners
Start with easy poses and short sessions, such as 10-15 minutes a day.
Focus on gentle movements and simple breathing exercises.
Practice in a quiet space where you feel comfortable.
Try to practice yoga 3-5 times a week for the best results.
Lifestyle Integration and Yoga
Yoga works best when it’s added to other treatments like medication and healthy habits. It can make these treatments more effective by helping the body and mind work better together.
Spend 20-30 minutes each day doing yoga or meditation.
Be mindful during everyday activities, like eating or walking, to stay calm and focused.
Join a yoga class or watch online tutorials to stay motivated and learn new poses.
Precautions and Considerations
Not all yoga poses are safe for everyone. People with severe heart problems should avoid poses that involve twisting, holding their breath, or putting too much strain on the body. It’s important to modify poses to match your fitness level.
Consult Top Cardiologists for Yoga Poses to Avoid
Before starting yoga, talk to your doctor, especially if you have a heart condition. A doctor or a trained yoga teacher can help you choose poses that are safe and effective.
Conclusion
Yoga is a powerful way to support heart health. It reduces stress, improves blood flow, and makes the heart stronger. Yoga works well with traditional treatments and helps people feel healthier overall.
Adding yoga to your daily routine is an easy and effective way to take care of your heart. With its calming movements and focus on breathing, yoga can lead to a healthier heart and a more peaceful mind.
Consult Top Cardiologists for Yoga Poses to Avoid
Dr. Amit. A. Bharadiya
Cardiologist
12 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DNB Cardiology, FSCAI
Maharashtra
Surabhi Hospital, Maharashtra, Maharashtra
Dr. S B Bhattacharyya
Cardiologist
22 Years • MBBS, MD(General Medicine),DM (Cardiology)
Kolkata
Gariaheart Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Jayarajah Mariappan
Cardiologist
45 Years • MBBS, MD(GEN MEDICINE), DM(CARDIOLOGY)
Chennai
Sooriya Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Sumanta Chatterjee
Cardiologist
12 Years • MBBS,MD General Medicine,DM Cardiology
Kolkata
HealthYou Speciality Clinic & Diagnostics., Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. M Sudhakar Rao
Cardiologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Cardiology
Bengaluru
UMC, Kormangla, Bengaluru
