Yoga and Hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension is a major public health problem and is an impor tant risk factor for stroke, coronary heart disease and renal failure. The blood pressure is not well controlled with drug therapy in large number of individuals, especially in the developing countries. There is a need for less expensive nonpharmacological alternative methods to control blood pressure. Yoga may be such cost-effective alternative. Several uncon trolled and ran do mized control trials have evaluated short- and long-term effects of yoga/meditation-based techniques in prehypertension and mild hypertension. Though, the results are mixed and there are several methodological limitations in reported studies, majority of studies demonstrate a modest decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This modest decrease may significantly decrease the stroke mortality and coronary heart disease in general population. A recent scientific statement of American Heart Association also suggests that it is reasonable for all individuals with blood pressure levels more than 120/80 mm Hg to consider alternative approaches like transcendental medication as adjunct method to lower blood pressure.