Effects of Slow Breathing Exercises on Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Randomized Controlled Trial.

In 30 seconds

This randomized controlled trial evaluated slow breathing exercises after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients admitted to a cardiology inpatient clinic in Türkiye. Patients were assigned to breathing exercises or control; the intervention involved 10 minutes twice daily at home for 8 weeks, with both groups monitoring heart rate and blood pressure. At discharge and weeks 4 and 8, quality of life was significantly better in the intervention group. The study also reported lower heart rate and diastolic blood pressure with the exercises, while antihypertensive medication doses increased significantly more in the control group.

Key findings

• Quality of life was significantly better in the breathing-exercise group than in controls at discharge and at weeks 4 and 8.
• The study reported reductions in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure among patients performing slow breathing exercises after primary PCI.
• Antihypertensive medication doses required significantly greater increases in the control group during follow-up.

Why it matters

Recovery after primary PCI includes cardiovascular monitoring and quality-of-life outcomes. This trial suggests that a brief, home-based breathing routine may be associated with better reported quality of life and favourable heart rate and diastolic blood pressure changes. These outcomes may inform further evaluation of supportive approaches during post-PCI recovery, alongside usual clinical monitoring.

What to keep in mind

The study involved patients from one hospital in Türkiye, and the home intervention and follow-up lasted 8 weeks.