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Yoga asanas for heart health
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #11834
46 days ago
61

Yoga asanas for heart health - #11834

Myra

I am super concerned about my heart health lately. Few months ago, I went for a routine check-up and my doc mentioned that I have slightly elevated cholesterol levels, and it kinda freaked me out, to be honest. I mean, I've always tried to stay active, but with work being crazy and juggling family stuff, sometimes it’s hard. I’ve started looking into Yoga asanas for heart health after hearing my friend rave about it. I did a bit of research and it seems like such a good way to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol too. But here’s my thing – how do I even start? Like, are there specific Yoga asanas for heart health that could fit into my schedule? I’ve even watched some videos, but honestly, they go so fast and I’m unsure if I’m doing it right. Plus, sometimes I still get a little chest tightness, and I keep thinking maybe it’s related or something?? I know I should probably see my doctor again, but in the meantime, is incorporating Yoga really effective? Can Yoga asanas for heart health help lower anxiety or stress too? I guess I’m looking for both advice and maybe some motivation to really get into it. What’s the best way to approach this to actually see some benefits?

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Doctors’ responses

Yoga can indeed be a helpful complement to traditional methods for maintaining and improving heart health, so it’s a good area to explore. Certain Yoga asanas (or poses) are particularly beneficial for cardiovascular health as they promote relaxation, reduce stress, and can even help in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Given your situation with elevated cholesterol and stress, it’s essential to ensure you’re using Yoga both safely and effectively—especially before your next doctor’s visit. For a beginner, poses like Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Vrikshasana (Tree Pose), Balasana (Child’s Pose), and Savasana (Corpse Pose) are accessible and impactful. These poses can usually be performed without requiring much time or equipment, fitting easily into a busy schedule. Try setting aside even 10-15 minutes per day to start with these asanas. It’s crucial to pay attention to your breath—deep, slow, and controlled breathing is central to achieving yoga’s stress-relief benefits. As for performing the poses correctly, you might consider a beginner’s class or app as a resource—something that breaks down the poses step-by-step and focuses on correct alignment—which is crucial to avoid injury and maximize the benefits of the practice. If videos seem too fast, try pausing and practicing each posture individually before moving to the next step. Additionally, Yoga can also positively impact anxiety and stress levels, as practices focused on mindfulness and breathing can mitigate stress response and encourage relaxation. Should you continue feeling chest tightness though, it’s essential to consult your doctor. While yoga, along with a healthy diet and regular check-ups, can indeed contribute to overall heart health, it is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, especially if you have symptoms like chest tightness. Make sure to integrate Yoga so that it complements your lifestyle without it being a substitute for any medical recommendations, and always prioritize your safety and ongoing communication with your healthcare provider.

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