Efficacy of Alternate Nostril Breathing for Controlling Blood pressure, Anxiety and Heart rate among Egyptian Hypertensive Patients - An interventional one arm Study

Abstract

Objective: The study examined the effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing exercise (ANB) on blood pressure, anxiety, and heart rate among Egyptian hypertensive patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental one group pretest and Post-test design was used. Conducted at outpatient's clinic in specialized medical hospital university of mansoura-Egypt. Sixty essential hypertensive patients were selected according to the study's' inclusion criteria. Intervention included continuous ANB exercise for four weeks, 2 times a day for 10 minutes in each therapy. The patient was assessed pre, on the 6 th day, and at the end of 4 weeks. Tools included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, a mercurial sphygmomanometer, and a stethoscope were used to measure blood pressure and radial artery for measuring a pulse. Results: The data were analyzed using one ANOVA and Wilcoxon test. Showed that there was a significant decrease in blood pressure readings, heart rate, and anxiety level post the intervention, P < 0.0001 showed a marked significant change in pre-post-assessment on the 6 th day and at the end of 4 weeks. Conclusion: Overall, alternate nostril breathing exercise was effective in reducing hypertension, anxiety level, and heart rate. It's a safe, society accepted, easily performed, and does not require preparation or training. Recommendation: Alternate nostril breathing highly recommended for the nursing staff to incorporate it in the routine nursing care to all hypertensive patients.