Yes, Yoga Nurtures Carotid Arteries

Arterial distensibility is a measure of the arteries ability to expand and contract during cardiac contraction and relaxation. Decreased distensibility; increased stiffness of the carotid artery is associated with stroke and increased cardiovascular risk.

Aerobic activity is associated with reduced arterial stiffness. A study undertaken by the Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia indicates that practicing yoga also has a positive influence on arterial stiffness.

The aims of the study were to evaluate arterial stiffness in middle-aged adults who regularly practiced yoga, performed regular exercise, or were inactive, and to evaluate the reproducibility of arterial stiffness measured in the left and right carotid artery and by pulse wave velocity.

Twenty six healthy subjects, male and female, 40-65 yrs old were tested on two separate days. Carotid artery distensibility was measured with ultrasound.

The study results found the yoga and aerobic subjects had similar physical activity levels. The yoga and aerobic groups did not different in either carotid artery distensibility or pulse wave velocity.

The sedentary group had lower carotid artery distensibility and higher pulse wave velocity compared to the aerobic and yoga groups. Pulse wave velocity increases with the stiffening of arteries. These stiffness measures were reliable day to day and similar between left and right arteries.

Incorporating yoga and aerobic exercise through out the week nurtures arterial health.

Arterial stiffening increases left ventricular afterload and reduces the flow of nutrients and oxygen to heart tissue: coronary perfusion.

The influence of physical activity and yoga on central arterial stiffness.
Duren CM, Cress ME, McCully KK. 
Dynamic Med. 2008 Jan 28;7:2.