While conventional treatments focus on medications, emerging research suggests that complementary therapies like yoga could offer valuable support in managing heart failure symptoms. A new research presented at Heart Failure 2024, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology, unveiled this.
Led by Dr. Ajit Singh from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, the study highlights the positive impact of yoga on symptom management and heart function in individuals battling heart failure.
UNDERSTANDING HEART FAILURE AND ITS CHALLENGES
Heart failure affects millions worldwide, posing significant challenges to patients’ quality of life and daily functioning. Symptoms such as fatigue and breathlessness can severely limit patients’ ability to engage in routine activities.
THE STUDY DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS
The study enrolled 85 patients aged 30 to 70 years with heart failure from Kasturba Hospital in Manipal, India. Patients received guideline-recommended heart failure medications and underwent cardiac procedures within the past six months to one year. Experienced yoga instructors introduced pranayama (breath work), meditation, and relaxation techniques to the yoga group, which comprised 40 patients. The control group, consisting of 45 patients, continued with standard medications alone.
KEY FINDINGS AND LONG-TERM BENEFITS
Over the course of six months and one year, participants in the yoga group experienced significant improvements in heart structure and function compared to the control group. These improvements included enhanced left ventricular ejection fraction, better right ventricular function, and improved ability to carry out daily activities. Additionally, yoga participants reported feeling better and were able to do more compared to those relying solely on medications.
IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Dr. Singh emphasizes the importance of integrating yoga into the holistic management of heart failure. While yoga shows promise as a complementary therapy, patients should consult their healthcare providers before initiating yoga practice, especially if they have severe symptoms. Additionally, proper training from experienced instructors is essential to ensure safe and effective practice. It’s crucial for patients to continue their prescribed medications alongside yoga practice for optimal heart health.
The study underscores the potential of yoga as a beneficial adjunct therapy for heart failure patients, offering improvements in symptoms and heart function. As the research continues to evolve, integrating yoga into comprehensive treatment plans could enhance overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living with heart failure.
