Effect of diaphragmatic breathing on heart rate variability in ischemic heart disease with diabetes.

[Article in English, Multiple languages]

Kulur AB, Haleagrahara N, Adhikary P, Jeganathan PS.

Faculty of Medicine, University College of Sedaya International, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reduced heart rate variability is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in patients with ischemic heart disease and diabetes. Whether change in breathing pattern can modify the risk factor in these patients has not been definitely proved.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of diaphragmatic breathing on heart rate variability (HRV) in ischemic heart disease patients with diabetes.

METHODS: Study population consisted of 145 randomly selected male patients of which 45 had ischemic heart disease (IHD), 52 had IHD and diabetes (IHD-DM) and the remaining 48 had IHD and diabetic neuropathy (IHD-DN). HRV was assessed by 5 minute-electrocardiogram using the time domain method. The intervention group was divided into compliant and non-compliant groups and follow-up recording was carried out after three months and one year.

RESULTS: Baseline recordings showed a significant decrease in HRV in ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients with or without diabetes (p<0.01)

CONCLUSION: The regular practice of diaphragmatic breathing significantly improves heart rate variability with a favorable prognostic picture in ischemic heart disease patients who have diabetes. These effects seem to be potentially beneficial in the management of IHD patients with diabetes.

PMID: 19629309 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Free Article