Yoga and Rate and Duration of Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST) Episodes (YOGA STAR)

The Effect of Yoga on Arrhythmia Burden and Quality of Life in Patients With Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is an uncommon form of atrial tachycardia. The term "inappropriate" in medicine is commonly defined as a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute at rest or with minimal physiological challenge. IST is characterized by an increased resting heart rate with an exaggerated response to exercise or stress. Yoga has been used extensively around the world as an alternative medicine approach in treating numerous chronic and debilitating diseases. Studies have been conducted in various countries to determine the benefits of Yoga as therapy for these chronic diseases. Several studies have confirmed that yoga can reduce anxiety and regulate the stress response. Studies in the past have shown that Yoga relieves stress, one of the most common triggers for the arrhythmia and increased heart rate in IST. Based on past studies we hypothesize that patients with IST might benefit by practicing yoga. Yoga may also help in better rate and rhythm control with yoga when employed in combination with usual medical arrangement.

Participants will be asked to practice yoga 3 days per week, at a minimum and encouraged to practice 7 days per week, for 1 year.

The subjects will be asked to practice Yoga poses at least 3 times a week at home, although daily Yoga will be encouraged. Participants will be trained in breathing exercises, postures and meditation. Each time they practice yoga will be for 1 hour and include breathing exercises, postures and meditation.

Effect yoga has on resting heart rate or occurrence of IST episodes in patients that have undergone treatment with medications and/or ablation procedures

Inclusion Criteria: Patients diagnosed with inappropriate sinus tachycardia Exclusion Criteria: Advanced malignancy or severe co-morbidities such as severe heart failure and with life expectancy less than 1 year Pregnant women Patients with unmedicated or uncontrolled high blood pressure Patients with past history of Pnuemothorax Patients with severe cervical spondylitis and cervical, thoracic, or lumbar disc prolapse Patients with carotid stenosis Patients with history of psychosis (evidence of acute episodes with deep and prolonged meditation) or substance abuse Patients with history of epilepsy (evidence of acute episodes with deep and prolonged medication) Patients with glaucoma Patients with history of Total Hip Replacement