Heart diseases (coronary heart disease--CHD) are common problem worldwide among middle-aged and elderly people and have become increasingly common in younger individuals too. It is a leading cause of deaths and disability worldwide. Poor dietary habits (high intake of cholesterol, fat), hypertension, sedentary life style and cigarette smoking are some of the known risk factor which leads to deposition of fat in the arteries of the heart (atherosclerosis) and coronary heart disease.

According to Ayurveda, poor diet, stress, unhealthy lifestyle causes impairment of digestion which causes accumulation of toxins in the body. These toxins get deposited in different part of the body, such as the coronary artery that leads to obstruction, poor circulation and causes various forms of heart disease. Ayurvedic treatment of heart disease aims to clean the toxins from the body and restore digestion to avoid further increase of blockages in the body.

Yoga positively impacts the heart in very similar ways; it moves prana in the body, helps to dissipate tension, clears stagnation, and encourages fluidity throughout the tissues, the subtle body, and the mental and emotional spheres. Yoga also stimulates circulation and serves as a balanced form of exercise, which is an essential aspect of heart health. Unless there is an acute heart condition, Ayurveda recommends six to ten Sun Salutations daily, or you can more specifically support the heart with poses such as Locust, Bridge, Cow Face, Bow, Cobra, Seated Forward Bend, Tree Pose, or a simple ten to fifteen minutes of Savasana daily.

Yoga, meditation and exercise improve physical stamina and provide mental relaxation. Ayurveda recommends mild physical activity for all individuals for primary prevention of coronary heart disease. If you are not used to exercising, start exercises as advised by your physician. Exercise promotes the development of collateral blood vessels in the heart and retards the progression of atherosclerosis. Thus yoga helps in the prevention of heart blockages.