Abstract

Slow breathing practices have gained popularity in the western world due to their claimed health benefits. The present study was conducted to assess slow deep breathing on heart rate and blood pressure in healthy. Materials & Methods: 60 patients of healthy young adults of both genders were enrolled. Baseline/resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured. All were subjected to slow deep breathing (6 breaths/min) for 5-6 minutes. After slow deep breathing, heart rate and blood pressure were again measured. In slow deep breathing inhalation is equals to exhalation. Results: Out of 60 patients, males were 35 and females were 25. The mean heart rate at baseline was 76.2 beats/ min and after breathing was 70.4 beats/min. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean SBP at baseline was 116.2 mm Hg and after breathing was 104.8 mm Hg. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean DBP at baseline was 76.4 mm Hg and after breathing was 72.6 mm Hg. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Practicing of slow deep breathing (respiratory rate 6/minute) for 5 minutes could improve autonomic nervous system imbalance towards parasympathetic dominance. The decline in heart rate and blood pressure due to improvement in autonomic functions by slow deep breathing which causes decrease in sympathetic and increase in parasympathetic activity.

Description