Yoga and Hypertension

Hypertension is a major public health issue affecting more than 70 million US adults and is a major risk factor in the development of stroke, cardiovascular [CV] and chronic kidney disease [1]. Patients with prehypertension [BP 130-130/80-89 mmHg] [2] are also at an increased risk for adverse CV events compared to normotensive controls [3]. Lifestyle modifications [LSM] have been recommended as a first line approach for both prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension patients [2]. Complementary and Alternative Medicine [CAM] modalities including mind-body therapies have been used in managing modest elevations in BP [4]. Yoga has been shown to be one of the most popular CAM therapies with growing use particularly in older hypertensive patients [5-8]. Although yoga has been beneficial in treating a variety of medical conditions [9,10] there has been limited data published suggesting a benefit of yoga on hypertension.