A recent study conducted by a scientist affiliated with the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) suggests that incorporating yoga therapy as a supplementary treatment for heart failure and heart-related conditions can be advantageous.
Heart failure, a cardiovascular ailment characterized by weakened or stiffened heart muscles leading to complications like fluid retention and shortness of breath, stands to benefit from the inclusion of yoga therapy.
The study, led by Ajit Singh, a research scientist at ICMR’s Kasturba Medical College & Hospital in Karnataka, involved 75 patients aged between 30 to 75 years, receiving care at a tertiary healthcare facility in southern India.
Yoga may enhance left ventricular function of heart failure patients
According to Singh, the lead author, “Yoga therapy may enhance the physical well-being and left ventricular function of heart failure patients who are following guideline-directed optimal medical therapy.”
The research findings will be presented at the American College of Cardiology Asia 2023 conference scheduled for September 29-30 in Manila.
All patients had undergone coronary intervention, revascularization, or device therapy within the past six months to a year, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) exceeding 45 per cent. The intervention group, consisting of 35 participants (31 men and 4 women), received yoga therapy in addition to guideline-directed medical treatment. In contrast, the non-interventional group, comprising 40 participants (30 men and 10 women), continued with standard guideline-directed medical therapy.
The study assessed echocardiographic parameters at various follow-up intervals to evaluate the impact of yoga therapy on heart failure patients.
Participants in the yoga group were instructed in specific yoga techniques such as pranayama, meditation, and relaxation during sessions lasting approximately 60 minutes. They were supervised for a week at the training center before being encouraged to continue self-administered yoga at home.
What Is Ideal Diet For Your Eyes – Here’s What Expert Suggests | ALSO READ
Researchers also measured improvements in quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire and observed that participants in the yoga group experienced enhanced endurance, strength, balance, symptom stability, and overall quality of life. Interestingly, while patients showed physical and psychological improvement, there was no observable enhancement in social and environmental health.
Singh remarked, “This study demonstrates that the incorporation of yoga therapy alongside standard medical management for heart failure results in improved left ventricular systolic function and quality of life in heart failure patients.” He further noted that “our patients exhibited improvements in systolic blood pressure and heart rate compared to those solely on medication without yoga.”
