6 poses for high blood pressure (Photo: Andrew Clark Clothing: Calia) Balasana (Child’s Pose) Always follow your doctors’ guidance and pay attention to how your blood pressure responds to your yoga practice. In some cases, certain yoga poses should be avoided, including inversions. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before practicing yoga. Researchers found people had more flexible arteries after practicing yoga. The more flexible your blood vessels, the less pressure required for blood flow and the lower your risk of hypertension. Another study found the effect of yoga on high blood pressure is even more significant when breathwork and meditation are part of the practice.Ī 2020 study examined the impact of a one-hour yoga class on the flexibility of the arteries. The results showed those who practiced yoga experienced a significant reduction in their blood pressure compared to those who did not. Numerous studies have shown the benefits that yoga can have on hypertension.Ī recent study tested the use of yoga three times a week for people being treated for high blood pressure. While you can’t change your family history, you can make better lifestyle choices that keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. Race: African Americans or Black Americans are at higher risk of hypertension.Gender: Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure in middle age, while women are more likely to develop high blood pressure as they get older.

Age: Blood vessels naturally become less elastic as we get older, increasing the risk of high blood pressure.The exact cause of high blood pressure varies from person to person. The result is more strain on the heart and damage to the walls of your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other dangerous health conditions. However, if your heart is stressed or your blood vessels become rigid and inflexible, the heart must pump harder to circulate blood.

If your heart is healthy and your blood vessels are flexible, not a lot of force is required to circulate blood throughout your body. What is blood pressure, exactly? And what causes hypertension?īlood pressure is the amount of force your heart exerts against the walls of your blood vessels. Lifestyle changes top the list of steps you can take to improve or prevent hypertension-and research shows that yoga can play a crucial role in lowering high blood pressure. Hypertension can put people at risk for serious health conditions, such as heart attacks or strokes. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, nearly half of adults have hypertension, yet many people don’t even know they have it.īut just because high blood pressure is so common doesn’t mean you should ignore it. High blood pressure-otherwise known as hypertension-is among the most common health conditions in the U.S. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!

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