Effectiveness of Abdominal Deep Breathing Exercises in Managing Blood Pressure Among Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension remains a leading public health challenge worldwide, requiring innovative and accessible management strategies. Deep breathing exercises have emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention, potentially lowering blood pressure through the modulation of the autonomic nervous system. It is suggested that slow and controlled breathing can reduce sympathetic activity and enhance parasympathetic tone, improving cardiovascular function. However, there is limited understanding of the specific physiological mechanisms and sustained effects of deep breathing on blood pressure. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the efficacy of deep breathing exercises as a complementary approach to hypertension management.

Methodology: The study employed a quantitative, quasi-experimental research design to evaluate the effect of abdominal deep breathing exercises on hypertension. A total of 60 hypertensive patients were selected through a simple random sampling technique, with randomization carried out using a random number table. The participants were divided into two groups: 30 in the experimental group, receiving abdominal deep breathing exercises, and 30 in the control group, receiving standard care. The sample size of 60 was determined based on a power analysis. The inclusion criteria focused on patients with blood pressure levels above 140/90 mmHg, and efforts were made to account for factors like medication use and comorbidities. Data were collected using a standardized tool developed by American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Results: On day one, most patients in both groups had moderate blood pressure. In the experimental group, 13 patients (43%) had moderate systolic blood pressure, compared to 15 patients (50%) in the control group. For diastolic blood pressure, 21 patients (70%) in the experimental group and 20 patients (67%) in the control group had moderate levels. By day seven, the experimental group showed significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the control group. The mean systolic blood pressure in the experimental group dropped to 141.66 mmHg (standard deviation (SD) 15.99), and the mean diastolic blood pressure decreased to 92.66 mmHg (SD 10.81). These results indicate that abdominal deep breathing exercises effectively lower blood pressure.

Conclusion: The study concludes that abdominal deep breathing exercises are an effective non-drug method to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure highlights the potential benefits of including deep breathing exercises in regular hypertension management. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed to confirm these findings and ensure the long-term effectiveness of this approach.

Keywords: abdominal deep breathing exercises; assess; blood pressure; effectiveness; hypertensive patients.