LOS ANGELES YOGA HISTORY

Cardiac Yoga Helps Heart Patient

BOSTON -- Heart disease is one of the country's biggest killers, and a first-of-its kind program for heart patients is making the most of the mind/body connection.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported Wednesday that the Fourth of July brought fireworks for a local man last year, but not the kind he was expecting.

"I suddenly had chest pain. And like most victims of heart attacks, I went into denial," David said.

A self-described weekend warrior, David was just 49. Now, two drug-coated stents help keep David's arteries open.

"I've had high blood pressure since I was in my 20s," David said. "I'm now on less medication and my blood pressure is probably lower than yours. It runs around 112 over 65."

They are dramatic results that David credits to a unique cardiac rehab program at Newton Wellesley Hospital. It's unique because it includes Yoga.

"The Yoga we're doing is a lot of it chair based, so they can sit in the chair and do poses rather than stand of get down on the ground," cardiac Yoga instructor Ann Knocke said.

Yoga eases stress, which is a huge risk factor in itself for heart patients. The simple, gentle moves helps breathing, reduces heart rate, blood pressure and calms the nervous system.

It's part of rehabilitation for heart attack survivors, who've had open-heart surgery or have congestive heart failure. It's estimated only one-third of patients who could use this type of rehab do.

"Everyone in Massachusetts is covered by insurance for it and should be referred by their physician as they leave the center they're in," Knocke said.

It's something for which David said that he is grateful.

"It stays with you for a while, and I really truly believe that if you get good at it, it will stay with you forever," David said.

Read more at the www.thebostonchannel.com

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