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- Hypertension is called a 'silent killer' because it has few if any symptoms.
- Uncontrolled blood pressure can increase one's risk of stroke, heart attack and other diseases.
- Practising yoga has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition a person can have for many years without any symptoms.
The World Health Organization refers to hypertension as a serious medical condition. If uncontrolled, high blood pressure can increase one's risk of stroke, heart attack and other diseases.
There are more than 1.13 billion people worldwide living with hypertension. In South Africa, there is a 45% prevalence among men and 48% among women.
READ | Hypertension: A disease that affects people of all ages
Role of yoga
Professor Brian Rayner, Emeritus Professor in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at the University of Cape Town, previously told Health24 that people should implement lifestyle changes to normalise their blood pressure levels.
Consuming a healthy diet with regular exercise can help control blood pressure. Researchers have also been studying how the ancient practice of yoga can reduce blood pressure levels.
Numerous yoga asanas (poses) allow practitioners to be conscious of their breathing, which can help control blood pressure. After a yoga class, one is left feeling relaxed and stress-free, something researchers have confirmed.
Keen to try yoga but don't know where to start? Here are some effective yoga practices that can help to keep your blood pressure under control:
