Yogic Lifestyles and Atherosclerosis Regression

In one of the only studies (besides Ornish's early work) to actually measure coronary atherosclerosis with angiography in response to yogic therapy Manchanda et.al. demonstrate significant regression after one year of intervention. See study summary and comment below:
Retardation of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Manchanda SC, et al J Assoc Physicians India 2000 Jul;48:687-94
Coronary artery disease & Yoga lifestyle intervention was initiated in 42 patients (21 controls and 21 yogic lifestyle) with documented coronary artery disease. The control group received usual care and standard exercise instruction. The yogic lifestyles group particiapted in hatha yoga, meditation and dietary intervention on a daily basis.
Results: At one-year follow up the yogic lifestyles group had significantly fewer episodes of angina, fewer coronary arteries that progressed in atherosclerosis, more coronary arteries that showed atherosclerotic regression, lower LDL cholesterol levels, and fewer patients who required coronary bypass surgery compared to the control group receiving usual care.
Conclusion: Yoga lifestyle intervention retards progression and increases regression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with severe coronary artery disease.
COMMENT: This study reinforces the fact that for "yoga" to meaningfully improve the actual biology of cardiovascular disease low-fat dietary strategies, daily meditation, and sufficient weekly exercise - including yoga asanas are required. It has been shown in multiple studies that in order for actual atherosclerosis regression to occur LDL-cholesterol levels have to be well below 100 mg/dL and probably below 70! Yogic lifestyles perhaps are best positioned to be the total lifestyle change agent required. Those who adopt yogic lifestyles generally embark upon daily dietary, meditation, spiritual centering and regular hatha yoga exercise whereas the routine practice of hatha yoga poses may or may not include dietary or other lifestyle changes.