Yoga may be lifesaver against most common irregular heartbeat
Yoga could be a lifesaver for people with the most common type of irregular heartbeat, according to research.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects about 1.3 million in the UK. Many more are feared to be unaware they have it.
The potentially fatal condition causes palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain and a racing pulse, reducing quality of life. Depression is common.
A study of 538 patients found the ancient form of exercise almost halved the number of symptoms Yoga is a mental and spiritual practice which originated in India. It focuses on strength, flexibility, breathing and meditation.
Lead author Dr Naresh Sen, of Hridaya Ganesha Sunil Memorial Super Speciality Hospital in Jaipur, India, said: “Our study suggests yoga has wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits for patients with atrial fibrillation and could be added on top of usual therapies.”
The participants attended 30-minute yoga sessions every other day for 16 weeks.
They were encouraged to practise the same movements and other routines at home daily.
It led to dramatic improvements in all areas. For example, when not doing yoga they experienced an average of 15 symptomatic bouts of AF.
This was reduced to eight during yoga. Their average blood pressure also fell significantly.
Dr Sen said: “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.”
The participants were monitored between 2012 and 2017 and served as their own controls. For 12 weeks they did no yoga. During both periods, symptoms and episodes of AF were recorded in a diary. Some also wore a heart monitor to verify incidents.
Patients completed an anxiety and depression survey and a questionnaire assessing their ability to do daily activities and socialise, energy levels and mood. Heart rate and blood pressure were also measured.
The researchers then compared outcomes.
One in four middle-aged adults in Europe and the US will develop AF.
It causes up to 30 per cent of strokes.
Men with the disorder are 50 per cent more likely to suffer a premature death. The risk rises twofold in women. Up to four in ten patients are hospitalised each year.
Previous research has shown yoga protects against heart disease by lowering high blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity.