@Mike Lopp,
I had a heart attack dec 18 2010 and had two stents placed on the main artery the same day. My doc got me into rehab 2 days later and after completing it, did a stress test and got athletic results not stopping in 30 mins on the treadmill and reaching level 10!
Have been doing Bikram for 3 years but only did 3 sessions in the last 5 weeks before my attack and had to sit during each of them. It was the most stressful 5 weeks of my life plus genetic programming hence the attack.
But 25 days later, went back to Bikram. Rock star! Never had to sit again. I've come to the conclusion, the only reason one has to sit out at all is that something is wrong in your heart, or your mind. One never has to sit down if one is in good condition.
Been at it for 5-6 times a week. Had a Thallium radiation test and my results are great. Today, 3 months later, still at yoga, doc dropped my 2 anti angina meds, that's 28 pills a week, and all this because of Bikram. I met Bikram by the way and told him my story and he said, it is not unusual.
A fellow from the audience, who's had 7 attacks from childhood defied all docs advice and took up Bikram and weights, and he's fine now and is in his 40's.
P.s. I'm 47 but look 36.
Pps. For as long as you're hydrated well, the heat is only a few degrees over body temp so you don't overheat, and your bloodnthins out so you won't get a stroke or a heart attack in the room.
Know your limits, my doc told me not to exceed 138 in my heart rate but the highest it's ever reached ever in class was 128, so within safe limits.
Good luck Mike. I hope you've resumed Bikram yoga. It's heart friendly.