Scientists from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (India) found that yoga practices focused on breathing and relaxation can relieve heart failure symptoms. The study results were presented at the scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) titled “Heart Failure 2024”.
85 people with heart failure participated in the study. Heart failure is the impairment of blood flow to the organs in line with the body’s needs as a result of the heart’s inability to fill and empty normally.
The average age of the subjects was 49 years. The majority (82%) were male. Scientists divided the participants into two groups; 45 volunteers were included in the control group, and the other 40 volunteers were included in the experimental group. For six months, the second group did weekly 50-minute exercises that included breathing and relaxation practices (related to pranayama yoga). It was noted that all participants continued to take medications for the treatment of heart failure throughout the study.
Before the start of the experiment, six months and one year later, researchers evaluated the structure and function of the hearts in the experimental and control groups using echocardiography. Measurements included assessment of the heart’s ability to pump blood (left ventricular ejection fraction) and right ventricular function. The scientists also recorded the subjects’ blood pressure, heart rate, weight and body mass index.
The results showed that participants who practiced yoga showed significant improvements compared to baseline on all measures at six months and one year. In addition, the ability of the subjects in the second group to perform daily activities that require physical endurance (walking, climbing stairs) also improved.
Scientists noted that despite the obvious benefits of yoga, people with heart failure should consult a doctor before starting classes and then receive training from an experienced instructor. According to the researchers, this method of adjuvant treatment is most suitable for patients with mild symptoms of the disease.
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Source: Gazeta
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