Practice of Alternate-nostril Breathing (Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama) Attenuates the Development of Hypertension and Cardiometabolic Dysfunctions During Pregnancy in Women Having Risk Factors for Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

  • Gopal Krushna Pal Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry – 605 014, INDIA
  • Syed Habeebullah Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry – 605 014, INDIA
  • Pravati Pal Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry – 605 014, INDIA
  • Manivannan Subha Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry – 605 014, INDIA
  • Kuppusamy Saranya Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry – 605 014, INDIA
  • Nivedita Nanda Department of Biochemistry, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry – 605 014, INDIA
Keywords: Pregnancy-induced hypertension, Heart rate variability, Cardiometabolic risks, Alternate-nostril breathing, Anuloma-viloma pranayama, Nadisodhana pranayama

Abstract

Background and Objective: The early prediction and prevention of Pregnancy-induced Hypertension (PIH), a common morbid disorder of pregnancy is unsatisfactory. Therefore, in the present study we have investigated the role of alternate-nostril breathing (anulomaviloma pranayama) on cardiometabolic risks and prevention of PIH in women having risks of PIIH. Methods: A total of 148 subjects consisting of study group (n=76): pregnant women having risk factors for PIH and practiced pranayama; and control group (n=72): pregnant women with risk factors for PIH, but did not practice pranayama were recruited from obstetric out-patient department. Spectral analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV), autonomic Function Tests (AFTs), lipid profile, markers of insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed in both groups in all the three trimesters. Results: It was observed that LF-HF ratio, the most sensitive indicator of sympathovagal imbalance was significantly reduced (P<0.001) and was linked to reduction in cardiometabolic risks and prediction of hypertension status in study group subjects following pranayama practice from their 1st trimester compared to control group subjects who did not practice pranayama. Conclusion: Practice of anuloma-viloma pranayama from 1st trimester improves sympathovagal balance, reduces cardiometabolic risks and prevents the development of PIH in later part of pregnancy in women having risk factors for PIH.

Multiple regression analysis of LF-HF (As dependent variable) with various parameters (As independent variables) in subjects of study group and control group in third trimester
Published
2019-03-06
How to Cite
Pal, G. K., Habeebullah, S., Pal, P., Subha, M., Saranya, K., & Nanda, N. (2019). Practice of Alternate-nostril Breathing (Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama) Attenuates the Development of Hypertension and Cardiometabolic Dysfunctions During Pregnancy in Women Having Risk Factors for Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Physiology, 5(4), 189-195. https://doi.org/10.5530/ijcep.2018.5.4.20