Individuals who practice yoga may be able to reduce their risk of developing atrial fibrillation, also known as irregular heartbeat, which has been shown to cause strokes, according to a recent article published by Reuters.

The news provider reported that a small study conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas found that individuals who participated in yoga classes three times per week not only reduced their instances of irregular heartbeat by 50 percent, but also reported decreased levels of condition-related anxiety and depression.

The lessons included instruction in breathing exercises, yoga postures, meditation and relaxation. Although the researchers said that regular physical activity has been shown to reduce blood clotting, three months of yoga classes were found to provide enhanced health benefits when compared to the same amounts of cardio exercise.

"These findings are important because many of the current conventional treatment strategies for atrial fibrillation include invasive procedures or medications with undesirable side effects," said lead researcher Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy.

The scientist told the news source that strokes may occur when an individual's blood pools and clots in the upper regions of his or her heart due to atrial fibrillation, and the mass subsequently travels to the person's brain. According to the American Heart Association, more than 2.2 million people are living with atrial fibrillation.