P6063Influence of full yogic breathing on long-term outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure

Abstract

Background/Introduction: Moderate‐intensity breathing techniques have been successfully used in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) to reduce the pulmonary congestion symptoms and to increase the exercise tolerance. However, their impact on long‐term outcomes in CHF remains unclear. Objectives: To assess the influence of a full yogic breathing on long‐term outcomes in patients with CHF. Methods: The study included 130 patients (mean age 65.2±5.7 years) hospitalized for acute decompensated CHF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (<40%). All patients were divided into two groups: 66 patients received only standard therapy of CHF (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, β‐blockers, aldosterone antagonists, digoxin, loop diuretics) and 64 ones additionally practiced the full yogic breathing during all hospitalization period and then the next 12 months after discharge. The primary outcome was a composite of rehospitalization for CHF and/or all‐cause mortality. The secondary endpoint included changes in NYHA class of CHF. Results: Over a median follow‐up of 12 (11‐14) months, the primary endpoint occurred in 45.5% of patients who were treated with only standard therapy and in 12.5% of patients who practiced the full yogic breathing (odd ratio (OR) 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07‐0.41). The frequency of rehospitalization for CHF was significantly lower in breathing group compared to control (3.1% versus 24.3%, OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.02‐0.46). No difference was found in all‐cause mortality between both groups. At the end of follow‐up period the improvement of NYHA class was revealed in 31.3% of patients in breathing group and in only 12.1% of patients in control group (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.12‐0.75). After adjustment for significant covariates in Cox regression models, full yogic breathing practice was an independent predictor of reduction of the risk of rehospitalization for CHF (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.05‐0.38) and improvement of NYHA class (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.13‐ 0.68). Conclusion: In CHF patients full yogic breathing practice during 12 months in addition to standard therapy is associated with a significant reduction of the risk of rehospitalization and improvement of NYHA class.