Authors : Karthiga J; Arunkumar B

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5b8yv567

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdez8r4m

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24NOV666

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Introduction Hypertension (HTN), owing to high prevalence rate poses a significant health threat. Untreated HTN is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. However, early intervention reduces the risk of complication. Breathing exercises (BE) has been gaining importance due to its potential role in enhancing autonomic function in HTN. This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of BEs on heart rate variability (HRV), a clinical marker of autonomic nervous system function, in patients with HTN. B. Objective To assess the impact of different types of BE used in management of HTN and their effects on HRV parameters. C. Methodology Studies evaluating the changes in HRV following BE involving hypertensive individuals, aged 18-70 years of both sexes were included in the review. Data were extracted from various scientific database. Risk of bias was assessed using standard protocol and the results were analysed. D. Results: A total of 7 studies, including both Randomized Control Trials and observational studies, were analyzed. Following the BE, the studies demonstrated significant improvements in HRV, with increased parasympathetic activity (higher RMSSD, SDNN, pNN50, and HF) and a reduction in the LF: HF ratio. Despite the type and duration of breathing techniques that were employed, all were found to be beneficial in improving autonomic function. E. Discussion: BE significantly enhance vagal tone, which helps in the reduction of blood pressure. The results suggest that regular practice of BEs would serve as an adjuvant therapy in treating HTN. However, more robust study with huge sample size and standard protocol are essential to study the long-term effects of BE on autonomic function in hypertensive individuals.

Keywords : Breathing Exercise, Heart Rate Variability, Hypertension.

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