Yoga, aerobic exercise combination yields positive effect on CV risk factors

In a new study, patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes and a previous diagnosis of CHD who practiced a combination of Indian yoga plus aerobic exercise over 18 months experienced greater improvement in CV risk factors including BP, lipids and weight compared with patients who practiced yoga or aerobic exercise only.

The study enrolled 750 patients who were assigned to one of three lifestyle interventions: aerobic exercise alone (n = 225); Indian yoga (n = 240) or Indian yoga plus aerobic exercise (n = 285). Patients attended three 6-month sessions of yoga, aerobic exercise or both.

After the three sessions, reductions in BP, BMI and cholesterol were twice as high in the combined yoga and aerobic exercise group compared with the yoga or aerobic exercise only groups (P < .04). Patients who practiced both yoga and aerobic exercise also experienced significant improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction, diastolic function, 6-minute walk distance, exercise capacity, heart rate recovery and angina/dyspnea class compared with the other exercise groups, according to findings reported at the Emirates Cardiac Society Congress in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology Middle East Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In comparison, patients who practiced yoga or aerobic exercise only had similar reductions in BP, lipids, weight, waist circumference and improved angina (P < .05), according to the abstract.

This study is limited in that the researchers analyzed specifically Indian yoga and aerobic training. Indian yoga is a combination of whole exercise of body, mind and soul, according to an ACC press release. Other types of yoga were not studied.

“Combined Indian yoga and aerobic exercise reduce mental, physical and vascular stress and can lead to decreased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity,” Sonal Tanwar, PhD, a scholar in preventative cardiology, and Naresh Sen, DM, PhD, a consultant cardiologist, both at HG SMS Hospital in Jaipur, India, said in the press release.

Cardiology Today and Healio/Cardiology previously reported on other studies that looked at the effects of yoga on hypertension and a meta-analysis that also showed positive effects on CV risk factors. – by Katie Kalvaitis

Reference:

Tanwar S, et al. Abstract 1139. Presented at: Eighth Emirates Cardiac Society Congress in Collaboration with ACC Middle East Conference; Oct. 19-21, 2017; Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Disclosures: Cardiology Today could not confirm disclosures at the time of publication.