Acute hemodynamic response to pranayama in postcoronary artery bypass graft patients

Background: Pranayama is a science of breathing which involves prolongation and control of breath. It is known through various studies that yogic practices improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, reduce stress, anxiety and enhance overall well-being and quality of life. However, hemodynamic effects of short term yoga are not well known. Objective: To study the acute hemodynamic effects of pranayama in stable post coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. Study Design: Case control study. Methods: 60 post CABG patients were divided into - a) study group and b) control group (30 patients each). Cardiorespiratory parameters were noted in control group without pranayama and in study group, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 minutes after pranayama. Results were analyzed statistically. Results: There was a reduction in systolic blood pressure (126.10 ± 14.54 to 118.67 ± 13.74; p<0.05), diastolic blood pressure (63.1 ± 10.08 to 58.5 ± 8.1; p<0.05), respiratory rate (27.4 ± 5.1 to 22.7 ± 3.5; p<0.05) and systemic vascular resistance (1164.2 ± 189.8 to 1056.4 ± 153.2; p<0.05) after short term pranayama in the intervention group. The reduction was statistically significant when compared to control group. The heart rate, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, cardiac output, cardiac index and pulmonary vascular resistance also changed but the change was not statistically significant in comparison to control group. Conclusion: Pranayama leads to decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate and systemic vascular resistance.