Preventive and Therapeutic Effect of Yogasana and Pranayama in the Patient of Hypertension: An Overview

Lifestyle diseases share risk factors similar to prolonged exposure to three modifiable lifestyle behaviors -- smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity -- and result in the development of chronic diseases, specifically heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and some types of cancer. Hypertension is one of them. It is defined as the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, the major blood vessels in the body. It is called a "silent killer". Most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to disability or even a deadly heart attack or stroke. Treatment and lifestyle changes can help in reducing Hypertension. Yoga can be preliminarily recommended as an effective intervention for reducing blood pressure. Yoga improves flexibility, reduces stress levels, and causes strengthening of muscles. Certain asanas like Bhujangasana, Setubandhasana, Ardhachakrasana, Uttanasana, Padottanasana, Ardhachandrasana, Tadasana, Shalabhasana, and Shavasana are found beneficial in Hypertension. Shavasana was mostly used for relaxation or as the starting pose for asanas.