Cardiovascular system

Your Heart: The Engine of Life

Your cardiovascular system is a complex network of blood vessels, carrying blood throughout your body. At the center of this system is your heart, a tireless muscle that pumps blood continuously.

The Benefits of Yoga for Cardiovascular Health

Improved heart rate variability (HRV) HRV is a measure of your heart's ability to adapt to stress. Higher HRV is associated with better overall health.

Lower blood pressure: Yoga can help reduce high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. While the study linked for HRV may mention blood pressure, a more specific source is here.

Improved cholesterol levels: Yoga can help increase "good" cholesterol (HDL) and decrease "bad" cholesterol (LDL). This again can be found in the same study.

Reduced risk of heart disease: Studies have shown that yoga can be as effective as traditional exercise in reducing the risk of heart disease. This is also supported by the same study.

Blood is a vital fluid that circulates throughout your body, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells and removing waste products. Blood is composed of:

The Circulatory System

Your circulatory system consists of two main loops:

Pulmonary circulation: This loop carries deoxygenated blood from your heart to your lungs, where it picks up oxygen.

Systemic circulation: This loop carries oxygenated blood from your heart to your body's tissues, where it delivers oxygen and nutrients.

Arteries and Veins

Arteries: These vessels carry blood away from your heart. They typically carry oxygenated blood.
Veins: These vessels carry blood back to your heart. They typically carry deoxygenated blood.

By understanding the cardiovascular system and the benefits of yoga, you can take steps to improve your heart health and overall well-being.