document: Yoga halves irregular-heartbeat episodes - US study * Study examines yoga 's effect on atrial fibrillation * Patients urged to continue standard medical therapy , too * Study released at American College of Cardiology meeting By Ransdell Pierson and Bill Berkrot NEW ORLEANS , April 2 -LRB- Reuters -RRB- - Yoga , already proven to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels , can cut in half the risk of a common and potentially dangerous irregular heartbeat , according to a U.S. study released on Saturday . The small study was the first to examine the benefits of yoga on atrial fibrillation - a problem that is a leading cause of stroke and is most common in the elderly . In addition to halving the episodes of atrial fibrillation , the study found that yoga also reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression related to the condition . '' `` These findings are important because many of the current conventional treatment strategies for atrial fibrillation include invasive procedures or medications with undesirable side effects , '' '' said Dr. Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy , an associate professor with the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City , Kansas , who led the study . He presented his findings at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology being held in New Orleans . The study involved 49 patients with the heart rhythm disorder who had no physical limitations and no prior experience with yoga . Their episodes of irregular heartbeat were measured for a six-month period by researchers at the hospital . During the first three months , patients were allowed to participate in any physical activity they liked . For the remaining three months , they underwent a supervised yoga program that involved breathing exercises , yoga postures , meditation and relaxation . Forty-five minute yoga sessions with a certified professional were held three times each week , and patients were encouraged to practice daily yoga exercises at home . Heart monitors measured episodes of irregular heartbeat throughout the trial , and patients completed short self-administered surveys to assess their levels of anxiety , depression and overall quality of life . '' `` SIGNIFICANT IMPACT '' '' On average , yoga cut episodes of the irregular heartbeat in half , while also significantly reducing depression and anxiety scores and improving scores in physical functioning , general health , vitality , social functioning and mental health , the researchers found . '' `` It appears yoga has a significant impact on helping to regulate patients ' heartbeat and improves the overall quality of life , '' '' Lakkireddy said . Atrial fibrillation causes blood to pool in the upper chambers of the heart , where it can clot and travel to the brain , causing strokes . Millions of patients with the condition take the blood thinner warfarin every day to lower the risk of such clots , and thereby prevent strokes . Considering its low cost and benefits , Lakkireddy said yoga should be considered in overall treatment of atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm problems . But Lakkireddy cautioned that larger studies are needed to bear out the findings of his study , and that patients should continue with standard medical therapy . '' `` Based on my findings , one should not tell patients that yoga will fix everything and they can stop taking their anticoagulants . Yoga is strictly a supplement for everything else they are doing medically , '' '' he said . A new wave of promising medicines to prevent such strokes is being developed by several drugmakers , one of which - Xarelto being developed by Bayer -LRB- BAYGn.DE : Quote , Profile , Research , Stock Buzz -RRB- and Johnson & Johnson -LRB- JNJ.N : Quote , Profile , Research , Stock Buzz -RRB- - will be highlighted at the heart meeting . But the pills come with side effects , and are expected to cost thousands of dollars a year , when they reach the market . -LRB- Reporting by Ransdell Pierson and Bill Berkrot -RRB-
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