Yoga in Arterial Stiffness: A Review

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases; especially cardiovascular disease (CVD), is expected to be a leading cause of death worldwide through till 2030. Controlling this disease and its complications requires early recognition and surveillance, and as a result the accompanying health-care expenses can be kept under control. Looking back over the past, since 5 to 6 decades, studies have revealed an increase in CVD in India; ranging from 1.0% to 9.0% and 1.0% to 4.0-6.0% in both urban and rural areas, respectively. Arterial stiffness is defined as a decrease in an artery's ability to expand and contract in response to changes in pressure. Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), which is the speed at which forward pressure is conveyed from the aorta via the vascular tree, is one of the simplest and oldest methods for determining it. Yoga, a mind-body practice that dates back to 5,000 Before Christ in India. It is regarded as a Vedic, ancient science, as a means of mental, bodily, and social existence, and has been increasingly used as a remedial measure. An comprehensive search of the electronic databases in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar for relevant publications was conducted using the keywords "Yoga and Arterial Stiffness." This current review, based on the scientific evidence, suggests yoga to pose and deliver health favourable benefits on PWV; particularly in adolescents as opposed to middle and geriatric populations. In addition, yoga is useful for young people with obesity, hypertension, and for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Yoga's beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease are related to a reduction in sympathetic activity as well as concomitant mental and physical relaxation.