Description: Ischemic refers to an organ, such as the heart, that isn’t receiving enough blood or oxygen supply. It can occur due to narrowing the blood vessels due to aging or blockage due to cholesterol plaques. The term for heart problems due to narrowed (or coronary) arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, is known as Ischemic Heart Disease (CHD).
Problem: Studies in India have shown that CHD prevalence has increased in India over the past 60 years. It is now at 2% to 44% in urban areas and 1-2% in rural areas1.
RISK FACTORS & CAUSES: Diabetes (35.57%), Hypertension (47.11%), Smoking (43.27%), Diabetes (35.57%), Obesity (9.61%). 75% of patients had multiple risk factors. IHD morbidity is higher in women than it is in men.
Complications: Ischemic heart disease has caused more than doubling in the last 30 years. Ischemic heart disease can cause chest pain, abnormal heartbeats, heart attack, heart failure, and heart attacks.
GOAL OF YOGA INTERVENTION:
- Counselling, education and insight to avoid risk factors
- Relaxation practices such as pranayama, asana and pranayama can be used to reduce stress.
- Increased physical activity and yoga can reduce body mass, waist circumference, and systolic (and diastolic) blood pressure.
- Yoga and diet can reduce inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
The rationale for yoga interruption: Yoga-based lifestyle modifications are vital in preventing, maintaining, and elevating IHD. It also helps to reduce further complications. Yoga intervention is designed to decrease stress-mediated inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, reduce cardiovascular reactivity and modify health behaviors at risk for CVD.
FIVE MAJOR YOGA PRACTICES: Mind Sound Resonance Technique, Deep Relaxation Technique, Nadisuddhi Pranayama and Breathing Techniques – Hands in and out breathing, hands stretch breathing. Tiger breathing. Sukshma Vayama (loosening of joints).
Yoga and ischemic heart disease prevention: Several RCTs have demonstrated that yoga effectively prevents ischemic heart disease. Yoga has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol. Other studies have also shown improvements in endothelial dysfunction, baroreflex sensitivity, and myocardial perfusion.
Avoid forward bending and hyperventilation practices like kapalabhati, Bhastrika, kapalabhati; inverted asanas that increase intra-abdominal pressure, Vaman Dhouthi, Laghu Shanka Prakshalana, and salt water.
PRECAUTIONS: Slowly-paced practices with an awareness of your breath. If you feel uncomfortable after practice, consult a Yoga and naturopathy doctor.