Kaur Amandeep, Maheshwari Preksha S., Soin Divya
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is reported to be the fourth reason of early death in developed countries and the seventh in developing countries. Treatment for hypertension includes lifestyle modifications and drug therapy. Since the antihypertensive drugs have many side effects and non- compliance. There is need to use some alternative treatment to manage hypertension.
AIM: Present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of abdominal breathing exercise on blood pressure among hypertensive patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quasi-experimental with two group pre and post test design was used. Sixty primary hypertensive subjects were selected (30 subjects each in experimental and control group). Experimental group had done abdominal breathing exercise twice a day for continuous 10 days. The socio-demographic and clinical data of the patient was collected through interview schedule. Sphygmomanometer and Stethoscope were used to assess the blood pressure. Descriptive statistics, t test and ANOVA were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS: There was significant reduction in blood pressure in experimental group (p = 0.00). The study showed that there was significant association between blood pressure and age of hypertensive patients.
CONCLUSION: Abdominal breathing exercise is an effective complementary therapy in reducing blood pressure among hypertensive patients.
Keywords: Blood Pressure, Hypertension, Abdominal Breathing Exercise