Effects of Yoga on Sodium-induced Pressor Responses in African American Adults

Effects of Yoga on Pressor and Endothelial Function in Responses to Sodium Loading in African American Adults

This investigation aims to determine the effects of a 4-week yoga intervention on sodium-induced pressor and endothelial function responses as well as markers of renal sodium handling in African American adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• African American
• Adults ages 18-60 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy or within 60 days postpartum
• having taken blood pressure (including diuretics beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers) or statin medications within the past 3 months (statins have been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress which could impact flow-mediated dilation);
• infection (viral or other) within the past 4 weeks;
• having adrenal or endocrine tumors (these could impact BP);
• renal disease defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 60 (creatinine will be tested at initial screening and GFR will be calculated);
• prior myocardial infarction; vii) known coronary heart disease;
• personal history of stroke;
• heart failure;
• cardiac arrhythmias;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• recent chest pain or dyspnea;
• orthopedic limitations that preclude the execution of yoga postures;
• current insulin dependence;
• currently taking steroid medications;
• currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation;
• having practiced yoga or yogic breathing techniques at least once weekly consistently within the past 3 months;
• heat intolerance or electrolyte imbalances (hypo- or hyper-natremia or hypo- or hyper-kalemia).