Role of Pranayama breathing exercises in rehabilitation of coronary artery disease patients A pilot study

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease which gets precipitated by increasing stress, dietary habits and urban sedentary lifestyle. Pulmonary functions are found to be influenced in congestive heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction and after cardiac surgery. Pranayama breathing exercises & yogic postures play an impressive role in strengthening of respiratory muscles which improve cardio-respiratory efficiency. The effect of Pranayama breathing exercises on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of CAD patients was observed. PFTs of 20 diagnosed stable patients of CAD were recorded. They were then taught Pranayama breathing exercises which they practiced at home twice a day. Their PFTs were repeated after 2 weeks and compared to their basal PFTs. Anthropometric parameters were recorded and a standardized questionnaire related to cardio-respiratory health was also worked out. Statistically significant improvements were seen in FEV1%, PEFR, FEF25-75 and MVV after a brief period of breathing exercises. FEV1, FVC and PIFR also showed a trend towards improvement. Pranayama breathing exercises were found to improve lung functions in CAD patients and can be used as a complimentary therapy for their rehabilitation.