Impact of naturopathy and yoga based intervention on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among metabolic syndrome individuals – A prospective single arm study

Background

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in most developed and developing countries, thus representing one of the most significant health problems across the globe. The association between metabolic syndrome and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases has been proven by large multicentric studies. Calculating atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases risk has been advocated as a preventive strategy. A little is known about its utility and applicability of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases risk calculation in individuals predisposed to cardiovascular diseases such as individuals with metabolic syndrome. Practice of a multifaceted naturopathy and yoga-based lifestyle is likely to improve cardiovascular health outcomes and may reduce healthcare costs in high-risk populations. Hence the present study aimed to evaluate the impact of naturopathy and yoga-based lifestyle intervention on the calculated atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases risk among metabolic syndrome individuals.

Methods

This prospective single arm study recruited 70 individuals of both genders, with metabolic syndrome based on eligibility criteria. They underwent 10 days of supervised intensive naturopathy and yoga-based lifestyle intervention in a residential center. Blood pressure, Anthropometric measures and metabolic risk factors were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results

There was also a substantial decrease in both systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. There was a noteworthy decrease in weight (p < 0.001), Body mass index (p < 0.001), Waist circumference (p < 0.001), Hip circumference (p < 0.001) and Waist Hip Ratio (p = 0.005). The metabolic risk factors Fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), Total cholesterol (p < 0.001), Triglycerides (p < 0.001), High-density lipoprotein (p < 0.01), Low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.01), Very low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.001), TC/HDL (p < 0.001) and non-HDL (p < 0.001) also showed a significant reduction. The 10-year (p < 0.001) and lifetime risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases risk was assessed and found to be significantly reduced after the intervention.

Conclusion

A multidimensional intensive naturopathy and yoga-based lifestyle could be explored as a non-invasive and cost-effective measure in the mitigation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases risk in predisposed individuals.