Impact of yoga on lipid parameters in different age groups

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) rise first among the causes of death occurring due to non-communicable diseases in the world. The majority of cardiovascular deaths are due to ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Among the major risk factors, dyslipidemia is an important risk factor. Hence, the prevention of dyslipidemia results in the prevention of ischemic heart disease. Dyslipidemia can be corrected by drugs but more importantly, it can be prevented by lifestyle modification. Aim and Objectives: Our aim is to observe the impact of yoga on lipid parameters in different age groups. Materials and Methods: We included 54 subjects between the age group of 30 and 60 years for this study. They were categorized into two groups: Group I having ages between 30 and 45 years (n = 23) and Group II having ages between more than 45 years and <60 years (n = 31). The lipid parameters were measured afore of yoga training, at the end of 2 months and after 6 months of yogic practices. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS version of 20.0. A P value of less than 0.05 is considered as statistically significant. Results: Our study revealed that yoga induces a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very LDL cholesterol and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both Group I and Group II subjects which were statistically significant. Conclusion: Yoga tends to improve dyslipidemia, a major risk factor for CVDs. A yoga lifestyle can be considered a preventive measure for CVDs.