Therapeutic potential of yoga practices in modifying cardiovascular risk profile in middle aged men and women.
OBJECTIVE
To study effect of yoga on the physiological, psychological well being, psychomotor parameter and modifying cardiovascular risk factors in mild to moderate hypertensive patients.


METHODS
Twenty patients (16 males, 4 females) in the age group of 35 to 55 years with mild to moderate essential hypertension underwent yogic practices daily for one hour for three months. Biochemical, physiological and psychological parameters were studied prior and following period of three months of yoga practices, biochemical parameters included, blood glucose, lipid profile, catecholmines, MDA, Vit. C cholinesterase and urinary VMA. Psychological evaluation was done by using personal orientation inventory and subjective well being.


RESULTS
Results showed decrease in blood pressure and drug score modifying risk factors, i.e. blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides decreased overall improvement in subjective well being and quality of life. There was decrease in VMA catecholamine, and decrease MDA level suggestive decrease sympathetic activity and oxidant stress.


CONCLUSIONS
Yoga can play an important role in risk modification for cardiovascular diseases in mild to moderate hypertension.
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Medical Division Mumbai.
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A
Damodaran
A
A
Malathi
N
N
Patil
N
N
Shah
Suryavansihi
S
S
Marathe
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011603:Psychophysiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015013:Yoga
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002784:Cholesterol