Effect of pranayama on rate pressure product in mild hypertensives

CONTEXT: The modern living life-style is known to produce various physical and psychological stresses resulting in increased blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). This can lead to increased myocardial oxygen demand (MVO(2)). MVO(2) correlated best with rate pressure product (RPP). RPP is a product of HR and systolic BP. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of relaxation in the form of pranayama on RPP in mild hypertensives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mild hypertensive patients were divided into two groups. Group A received antihypertensive drugs for 6 weeks and Group B received antihypertensive drugs along with pranayama training for 6 weeks. RESULTS: BP decreased significantly in Group B (148 ± 8.09-127 ± 12.10 mm of Hg) where pranayama was added. The decrease was significant as compared to Group A. HR decreased significantly in both the groups as compared to baseline, however the decrease was similar in both groups. RPP decreased significantly in both groups as compared to baseline, however the decrease was significantly more (P < 0.01) when pranayama was added to antihypertensive drugs (96.73 ± 20.53) when compared to antihypertensive drugs alone (114.66 ± 26.30). CONCLUSION: The pranayama produces relaxed state and in this state parasympathetic activity overrides sympathetic activity. Hence, addition of pranayama can be a useful addition to antihypertensive drugs for better control of hypertension in mild hypertensives.