Research Shows Yoga Could Help Improve a Key Marker of Heart Health

A new review published in *PLOS Global Public Health* suggests yoga may help lower blood pressure in people who are overweight or obese. The study analyzed 30 randomized control trials involving nearly 2,700 participants across Asia, the U.S., Germany, and Australia, all with a BMI of 23 or higher (or 25+ in non-Asian nations). Researchers found yoga linked to modest but clinically meaningful reductions in systolic (4.35 mmHg) and diastolic (2.06 mmHg) blood pressure, alongside improvements in inflammation, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels. The most significant blood pressure improvements occurred among Asian participants, with systolic pressure dropping by an average of 5.52 mmHg and diastolic by 2.81 mmHg. Study author Rakhmat Ari Wibowo, PhD, noted the findings align with existing research but highlight yoga’s potential benefits for this high-risk group. Cardiologist Cori Russell, MD, emphasized that even small blood pressure reductions can lower long-term cardiovascular risks. The review also found yoga’s benefits were strongest when practiced for at least one hour, three times weekly, over a minimum of 12 weeks. However, the study only established an association—not causation—between yoga and improved cardiovascular markers. Experts recommend gradual yoga adoption, especially for beginners or those new to exercise. While yoga may not replace conventional treatments, the findings suggest it could serve as a complementary approach for managing blood pressure in overweight or obese individuals. The research underscores the need for further studies, particularly in non-Asian populations, to confirm these effects.