Health Benefits And Risks Of Hot Yoga

Not Appropriate For High Blood Pressure

Although hot yoga is a good form of exercise, it is not appropriate for individuals with high blood pressure. The extreme temperatures of the practice, by design, force the body to work much harder to stay cool. As the heart pumps more forcefully to circulate blood and oxygen faster, this causes the arterial blood pressure to rise temporarily. Thus, those who are already under treatment for high blood pressure may not be able to tolerate hot yoga safely.

Very high blood pressure can cause arteries already constricted by plaque to occlude suddenly, resulting in a stroke or heart attack. Chronically elevated blood pressure can do other types of damage too, such as to the delicate tissues of the kidneys, retina, or the tiny vasculature at the end of the fingers and toes. If individuals have been diagnosed with or are taking medication for hypertension, they should check with a doctor before trying hot yoga.