Yoga Asanas For Heart Patients: The 7 Best Yoga Poses for Cardiac Health & Their Benefits

Heart patients have to be extremely cautious about the workout or exercise they do. Many avoid physical activity altogether due to kinesiophobia (fear of movement). But some yoga asanas (poses) are extremely beneficial for heart patients. 

Common Conditions Related to Cardiac Health 

Cardiac health conditions lead to about 700,000 deaths every year. Some common ones include the coronary artery disease (CAD), heart arrhythmias, angina and heart valve disease. Shortness of breath and chest pain are telltale signs of an underlying health condition, although exact symptoms tend to vary. 

How Yoga Asanas Help Heart Patients 

Yoga asanas (poses) are quite beneficial for heart patients. They stabilise your blood pressure, improve blood circulation and reduce the production of stress hormones (cortisol, Catecholamines). 

Best Type of Yoga for Heart Patients

Heart patients should opt for gentle, slow paced and low intensity styles of yoga. Most experts recommend restorative yoga, hatha yoga and chair yoga. Pranayama or meditation has also been proven to boost cardiac health.   

 7 Best Yoga Poses for Heart Patients 

1. Mountain Pose 

Other Names: Tadasana

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Tadasana or the mountain pose is wonderful for heart patients. It improves posture, stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces stress hormones.

2. Child’s Pose

Other Names: Balasana

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Child’s pose or Viparita Karani is one of the most beginner friendly yoga poses. It stabilises your blood pressure and helps with anxiety, which has been known to negatively impact heart health.

3. Bridge Pose

Other Names: Setu Bandhasana

Difficulty Level: Moderate (Intermediate Level) 

The bridge pose, also called Setu Bandhasana, helps to open up the chest and torso. It also doesn’t exert any pressure on the heart. 

4. Corpse Pose

Other Names: Shavasana

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Corpse pose, more commonly known as Shavasana is probably the most restorative pose in yoga. It helps you relax, reduces the heart rate and has been proven to help with blood pressure. This pose should ideally be practiced at the end of your yoga session.

5. Cobra Pose 

Other Names: Bhujangasana

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

The cobra pose or Bhujangasana is one of the most well known yoga poses. It opens up your chest and also improves your lung capacity. This leads to enhanced blood circulation.

6. Seated Forward Bend 

Other Names: Paschimottasana

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Paschimottasana or the seated forward bend, acts as a stress reliever. It also calms down the nervous system and helps to stretch your spine.

7. Downward Facing Dog 

Other Names: Adho Mukha Svanasana

Difficulty Level: Moderate (Intermediate Level)  

Downward facing dog, also known as Adho Mukha Svanasana is often considered to be one of the most effective poses for blood circulation. It also improves your mood and improves your respiratory system’s capacities. However, heart patients are advised to practice this pose with a chair, rather than the floor.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is only for educational purposes. Kindly consult a medical or health specialist before making any fitness related choices.