Role of Yoga Practices in the Management of Hypertension: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a major public health concern and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and chronic stress have significantly contributed to its rising prevalence. While pharmacological treatments are widely used for blood pressure control, long-term dependence on medication and associated side effects have led to increasing interest in complementary and non-pharmacological interventions. Yoga has emerged as a promising holistic approach for the management of hypertension. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Yoga practices in controlling blood pressure through a structured clinical trial. The study involved participants diagnosed with mild to moderate hypertension who were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group followed a systematic Yoga program comprising Asanas (physical postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation over a specified period. Key clinical parameters, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, stress levels, and overall well-being, were assessed before and after the intervention. The findings revealed a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among participants practicing Yoga. Additionally, improvements in stress levels, autonomic balance, and cardiovascular function were observed.