I [Heart] Yoga for A-Fib

Yoga is not all about the benefits of stretching. It can also combat the symptoms of atrial fibrillation such as chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Dr. Naresh Sen of HG SMS Hospital, Jaipur, India, commented, “The symptoms of atrial fibrillation can be distressing. They come and go, causing many patients to feel anxious and limiting their ability to live a normal life.” This study was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. Through movement, postures, and breathing, yoga helped those with atrial fibrillation find relief through self-management.

Over 500 people participated in a “12 week of no yoga” period followed by 16 weeks of yoga for 30 minutes every other day. Significant improvements were noted in symptomatic episodes of atrial fibrillation—8, down from 15 pre yoga—and blood pressure lowering an average of 11/6 mmHg. About the study, Dr. Sen said it “…suggests that yoga has wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits for patients with atrial fibrillation and could be added on top of usual therapies.” Patients in the study kept diaries and some wore heart monitors. 

 

Read about the study.

Other Categories:

• Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

• pain management