Impact Of Lifestyle Based Yogic Intervention On Blood Pressure And Anxiety Level In Hypertensive Patients At Yoga Clinic Of Himalayan Hospital: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Yoga offers a natural method for both exercising and relaxing the body. In today's context, hypertension can be effectively managed through lifestyle-oriented yoga practices.

Objective: To examine how lifestyle-based yoga practices influence blood pressure control and anxiety levels in individuals with hypertension.

Methods: Study Design: Descriptive.

Study Population: Participants with hypertension according to ACC/AHA criteria. The study was conducted at the Yoga Clinic of Himalayan Hospital, Dehradun. A total of 24 participants were enrolled after receiving expert counse                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ling. Baseline parameters were assessed at the time of enrolment. Blood pressure and anxiety were measured using a sphygmomanometer and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, respectively. The yoga program designed for the participants included joint and gland practices, Nadishodhan pranayama, and 31-point systemic relaxation techniques from Himalayan tradition yoga, practiced daily for one hour (five days a week) over the course of one month.  

Results: All key parameters of the participants were measured at the start of the study. A notable decrease in blood pressure and anxiety levels was observed in the group that practiced yoga as an intervention, compared to the baseline measurements.

Conclusion:  These are preliminary findings, and a more extensive study with a larger participant group is planned for the future. The results indicate that yoga practices may serve as a beneficial complementary treatment for managing high blood pressure and anxiety in patients with hypertension.