Yoga for Heart Patients: 7 Rejuvenative Yoga Poses Heart Patients Must Try for Better Cardiac Health

Many heart patients stay away from exercise, due to fear. Kinesiophobia or fear of movement is a big factor, while others follow what their cardiologists recommend. But yoga is an extremely beneficial exercise for improving cardiac health.  

How Yoga Asanas Boost Heart Health

Yoga asanas (poses) are great for heart health as they help in heart rate management, reduce stress and improve blood circulation. Compared to other forms of exercise, yoga is also relatively low intensity, which makes it a safer choice for cardiac patients.

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. On the other, fast paced or physically strenuous forms of yoga should be avoided.  

6 Rejuvenative Yoga Poses Heart Patients Must Try for Better Cardiac Health 

1. Child’s Pose

Other Names: Balasana 

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Child’s pose or Balasana has been known to provide stress relief. It also promotes deep relaxation, improves circulation and has been linked to arrhythmia management

  2. Mountain Pose 

Other Names: Tadasana

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Tadasana or the mountain pose is wonderful for heart patients. It improves circulation and helps to stabilise blood pressure. 

3. Bridge Pose 

Other Names: Setu Bandhasana

Difficulty Level: Moderate (Intermediate Level) 

The bridge pose, also called Setu Bandhasana is great as it barely exerts any pressure on your heart. It also promotes deep breathing and provides relief from anxiety. 

4. Chair Pose 

Other Names: Uktasana

Difficulty Level: Easy 

The chair pose, also called Uktasana is another great option. It improves stamina, eases stress and helps in heart rate management. 

5. Standing Forward Bend 

Other Names: Uttansana

Difficulty Level:  Moderate or Intermediate

Standing forward bend or Uttansana is very effective for heart health. As it boosts blood circulation and reduces blood pressure. It is advisable for heart patients to practice this pose, with some sort of support. 

6. Tree Pose 

Other Names: Vrikshasana

Difficulty Level: Easy 

Tree pose or Vrikshasana is one of the most recommended yoga poses due to its versatility. It improves flexibility, improves respiration and has been known to reduce the production of stress hormones. 

   7. 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.

Yoga Related Precautions for Heart Patients 

Heart patients should keep the following precautions in mind before incorporating yoga into their routine: 

• Always opt for gentle and restorative poses

• Consult your cardiologist. 

• Avoid poses that involve backbends and inversions.

• Stay away from fast paced or physically strenuous forms of yoga as they tend to be high pressure. 

• Follow gentle breathing exercises that feel doable. 

• If possible, try to incorporate props like blocks and pillows to avoid physical strain.