Kushal Madan

Yoga and meditation in cardiovascular disease.

Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society September 1, 2014 S C Manchanda, Kushal Madan

Yoga and meditation may help control cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and stress. Some randomized studies suggest they could slow or reverse coronary atherosclerosis. A recent study indicates transcendental meditation may reduce cardiovascular events by 48% over five years in secondary prevention. Another small study suggests yoga may help prevent atrial fibrillation. However, most studies have limitations including small samples and inconsistent methods, so larger trials are needed. The authors argue that given existing evidence and yoga's low cost and lack of side effects, it is appropriate to incorporate yoga and meditation for cardiovascular disease prevention.