Yogic practices have been found to enhance heart health and functional capacity in patients with heart failure, according to recent research presented at the Heart Failure 2024 scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
The study, conducted by Dr. Ajit Singh from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India, focused on the benefits of yoga, specifically breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation, in improving symptoms in heart failure patients. The research showed that patients who incorporated yoga into their treatment regimen alongside traditional medications experienced improved well-being, increased ability to perform daily activities, and had stronger heart function compared to those who solely relied on medication.
Heart failure is a prevalent condition affecting over 64 million individuals globally, leading to significant reductions in quality of life due to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and limited physical activity. While previous studies have highlighted the short-term advantages of yoga for heart failure patients, this new research sheds light on the long-term benefits of integrating yoga into treatment plans.
The study included 85 participants aged between 30 and 70 years who had undergone a cardiac procedure within the past six months to one year and were already receiving standard heart failure medications. Patients with severe symptoms were excluded from the study. Of the participants, 40 were assigned to the yoga group and 45 to the control group in a non-randomized manner. Throughout the study, all individuals continued their prescribed heart failure medications.
Under the guidance of experienced yoga instructors from the hospital’s Department of Yoga, participants in the yoga group were taught pranayama (yogic breathwork), meditation, and relaxation techniques. Following an initial week of supervised sessions, patients were encouraged to practice yoga independently at home for 50 minutes once a week, with progress checks conducted by an instructor after each session.
Heart structure and function were evaluated in both the yoga and control groups using echocardiography at baseline, six months, and one year. Parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricular function, blood pressure, heart rate, body weight, and body mass index were monitored. Additionally, symptom severity and the ability to engage in daily activities like walking and stair-climbing were assessed using the New York Heart Association functional classification.
The findings of the study suggest that incorporating yoga practices, including breathing exercises and meditation, into the management of heart failure can lead to significant improvements in heart health, functional capacity, and overall well-being for patients. These results emphasize the potential of yoga as a valuable complementary therapy for individuals living with heart failure.
