Effect of Yoga on Endothelial Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Endothelial dysfunction is the initial step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis; and it plays a central role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and many types of human diseases (diabetes, kidney failure, cancer, and viral infections). Strategies that are effective in protecting vascular endothelial function and retard or reversing endothelial dysfunction in the early stage appear to be potential in the prevention of vascular, cardiac, and many human diseases. Several studies have been carried out on the effects of yoga on endothelial function, but the results of these studies have not been synthesized.