European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the immediate effect of short duration of slow deep breathing on heart rate and blood pressure in healthy young adults. Methodology: This prospective study was conducted in ….. hospital from August 2022 to January 2023 after obtaining the ethical approval from the institutional committee. There were two sessions, each lasting five minutes, in which the participants were told to engage in deep breathing at a rate of six breaths per minute. These sessions were separated by a five-minute interval, after which a second five-minute deep breathing session at a rate of six breaths per minute was conducted. The individuals were divided into groups and instructed to practice consistently for 10 minutes daily, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., over 3 months. The investigator provided supervision throughout this period. Results: In the male population, the baseline systolic diastolic blood pressure population was observed as 121.5 ± 8.8 and 75.89 ± 3.18mmHg which was reduced to 69.56 ± 4.10 and 111.23 ± 4.64 mmHg after exercise. The baseline and outcomes of systolic blood pressure reported a significant statistical difference of 0.03; however, no significant difference was found for diastolic blood pressure. The finalobservations of pulse rate showed a reduction; however, no statistical significance was observed in baseline and post-exercise outcomes. A significant difference of 0.001 in respiratory rate was observed after exercise (15.99 ± 1.48 to 12.23 ± 1.56). However, in the female population, minimal changes in all outcomes were reported without showing any significant statistical difference. Conclusion: Given the limitations of the current study, it is possible to conclude that practising slow, deep breathing for a period of three months results in lower blood pressure and heart rates as well as improved autonomic functioning. Compared to their female counterparts in the same age group, the observed effects are more significant in the male individuals. It has been proven that extended durations of quiet, deep breathing improve parasympathetic tone.