Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Adults With Elevated Blood Pressure: A Pilot Interventional Study

Background: Elevated blood pressure is an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Yogic breathing practices have been increasingly investigated as complementary approaches for cardiovascular health. Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana/Anulom Vilom Pranayama) is a simple breathing technique that may influence autonomic cardiovascular regulation. Aim: To evaluate the effect of four weeks of alternate nostril breathing on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate in adults with elevated blood pressure. Materials and Methods: A pilot interventional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Jangaon, Telangana, India. Thirty adults with elevated blood pressure were divided into intervention (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The intervention group practiced alternate nostril breathing for 15 minutes per day, five days per week, for four weeks, in addition to their usual lifestyle. The control group continued their usual routine. Blood pressure and resting heart rate were recorded before and after the intervention. Results: The intervention group showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure from 137.4 ± 5.8 to 130.6 ± 5.5 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure from 86.7 ± 4.2 to 82.1 ± 3.8 mmHg and resting heart rate from 78.3 ± 6.1 to 73.8 ± 5.7 beats/min. The control group showed comparatively smaller changes. Conclusion: Regular alternate nostril breathing may have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and resting heart rate and may be considered a simple adjunctive lifestyle intervention for cardiovascular health. Larger studies with longer follow-up are required.