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

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 6th 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 6th 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