Abstract

Background: Hypertension is characterized by overactivity of sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic activation increases blood pressure both by stimulating heart and blood vessels. Breathing exercises are known to balance the autonomic function. Previous studies on hypertensives had shown that alternate nostril breathing (ANB) exercises reduce sympathetic activity by decreasing systolic and diastolic pressure. Since the effect of ANB on blood vessels was not documented so far, the present study was done to confirm the sympathetic lowering effect of ANB on vessel wall parameters immediately after 30 min of ANB exercises.

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to measure and compare the immediate effect of 30 min of ANB exercises on the left brachial artery diameter, peak systolic velocity (PSV), and resistive index (RI) in hypertensive subjects.

Materials and Methods: A total of 40 hypertensive patients in the age group of 45–65 years of both the genders were recruited for this study. The study group (interventional) and the control group included 20 hypertensive subjects each. Gray scale and Doppler ultrasound of the left brachial artery were done to assess the diameter of arteries, PSV, and RI before and immediately after 30 min of ANB.

Results: In the study group, significant increase in vessel diameter (VD) (P < 0.001), and decrease in PSV (P = 0.040), RI (P < 0.001) were observed after ANB exercises. In the control group, no significant change in VD (P = 0.485), RI (P = 0.789), and PSV (P = 0.777) was seen after 30 min.

Conclusion: ANB exercises reduced sympathetic activity in hypertensive patients.

Key words: Breathing Exercises; Brachial Artery; Essential Hypertension