Psychological stress and cardiovascular disease: A clinical appraisal of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga as a preventive intervention
Medicine India November 25, 2025 Shilpa Bharat Mendon
This perspective article argues that psychological distress should be considered alongside traditional risk factors in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, noting that professional associations do not currently view it as an independent risk factor. The authors propose Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) breath meditation as a suitable psychotherapy method to address psychological distress, which they say influences adherence to lifestyle modifications. The article reviews recent research indicating SKY effectively reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and perceived psychosocial stress. It also discusses behavioral, logistical, and financial reasons why clinicians might recommend SKY, suggesting that integrating psychological therapy into primary CVD prevention could improve patient health and reduce CVD risk.