Khaberni - A recent study found that engaging in a specific light physical activity for a short duration daily could contribute to lowering blood pressure and improving heart health.
British researchers analyzed data from 30 studies involving more than 2,600 adults who were overweight or obese and regularly practiced yoga. It was revealed that most participants performed about three sessions a week, each lasting 60 minutes, equating to about 25 minutes daily.
After at least 12 weeks of follow-up, the researchers recorded a noticeable decrease in blood pressure among participants, which could positively reflect on reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
In the analysis, 23 studies were conducted in Asian countries, versus seven studies in the United States, Germany, and Australia. The type of yoga practiced was not uniform, varying from light exercises to more intense ones.
The results showed that the reduction in blood pressure was more pronounced among Asian participants, but the researchers speculated that this was due to differences in sample sizes, and not due to a difference in the effectiveness of yoga between population groups.
According to the results, systolic blood pressure — the higher number that measures the force of blood pumping in the arteries when the heart beats — decreased by 4.35 millimeters of mercury, while diastolic blood pressure — the lower number measured at the heart's rest between beats — decreased by 2.06 millimeters of mercury.
The researchers believe this reduction is close to the effect of some blood pressure medications, although the response to medications is usually greater in many patients, depending on their health condition and the type of treatment used.
Moreover, a slight improvement in cholesterol levels was observed among yoga practitioners, including a reduction in harmful cholesterol (LDL), which is a contributing factor to arterial blockage and increased risk of heart disease.
However, the evidence was not strong regarding the impact of yoga on blood sugar regulation or reducing inflammation, both of which are also linked to heart health.
Medical data indicates that drug treatments can reduce systolic blood pressure by about 8.7 millimeters of mercury over eight weeks in some patients, with varying results depending on the condition.
Nevertheless, even small reductions in blood pressure are important; it is estimated that reducing systolic pressure by just 5 millimeters of mercury could decrease the risk of heart attacks or strokes by about 10%.
High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors associated with heart disease and strokes, making any intervention that contributes to lowering it of significant health importance.
The results of the study, led by researchers from the University of Edinburgh, indicate that yoga is not only an activity for improving overall fitness but may also contribute to supporting heart and metabolic health among individuals who are overweight or obese.
Despite these positive results, the researchers clarified that the exact reason behind the effects of yoga in lowering blood pressure is still unclear, but it is believed to reduce stress levels, which is a known factor affecting blood pressure.
The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health, cautioned that most of the analyzed studies were observational, meaning it cannot be conclusively stated that yoga alone is the direct cause of these improvements, as other factors, such as diet or lifestyle, may also play a role.
Doctors emphasize that the best approach to controlling blood pressure involves several factors, including following a healthy diet, reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, maintaining a suitable weight, avoiding excessive alcohol, and managing stress, with the use of medications when necessary.
