Effect of slow deep breathing exercise on blood pressure and heart rate among newly diagnosed patients with essential hypertension

Abstract

Background: Essential hypertension is the most prevalent type, affecting most of hypertensive patients. It increases progressively with age. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of slow deep breathing exercise on blood pressure and heart rate among newly diagnosed patients with essential hypertension. Research hypotheses were H₁-There will be a statistical significant difference in blood pressure before and after breathing exercises. H ₂- There will be a statistical significant difference in heart rate before and after breathing exercises. Design: A quasi-experimental. Setting: The study was conducted in medical and surgical departments at a general governmental Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. Sample: A convenient sample of 120 adult patients. Tools: (a) the Structured Interview Questionnaire. It covers personal and Medical background data (b) Assessment data sheet: designed by the researchers, to record BP and heart rate measurements, (c) Automated digital Sphygmomanometer. Results: A total of 120 adult patients; Most of them was males, their age ranged from 51-60 years and married. There is no statistical significant differences were found in socio-demographic variables in relation to systolic and diastolic BP as well as heart  rate before and after intervention . High statistical significant difference was found in systolic and diastolic BP as well as in heart rate between before and after intervention. Conclusion: practicing slow deep breathing exercise decreased the systolic and diastolic BP as well as heart rate of patients with essential hypertension. Recommendation Replicate this study on a larger population with different medical diagnosis to ensure generalization of results.

Key words:  slow deep breathing exercise, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, newly diagnosed patients, essential hypertension.