Effect of Short Term Pranayama on Cardiovascular Autonomic Function in Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is defined as a clinical state resulting from insufficient secretion of thyroid hormone from thyroid gland due to some structural or functional impairment of thyroid hormone production. Since Pranayama have proven to have beneficial and therapeutic effects, in normal and diseased states alike, we plan to study the effects of short term (1 month) practice of pranayama on cardiovascular autonomic function in hypothyroid patients.

The present study was conducted on 50 volunteers’ in between 18-30yrs of age. After obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional Human Ethics Committee. Inclusion criteria consisting of 18–30 years of aged women, newly diagnosed hypothyroidism. Pregnant or breast-feeding, addicted to alcohol or drugs, those who are already practicing pranayama was the criteria to exclude the patients.

Parasympathetic tests, the delta heart rate in deep breathing test and Valsalva ratio were increased in both groups however the increase in delta heart rate in deep breathing test in PG, CG were 31.13%, 16.39% and valsalva ratio in PG, CG were 8.11% and 4.23 respectively. The reduction diastolic blood pressure change in hand grip test was 19.52% in PG and 6.21% in CG. In cold pressor test, diastolic blood pressure was reduced by 12.34% in PG and 7.75% in CG.

The results of this study demonstrate that regular practice of pranayama in addition to standard medical therapy is more beneficial to improve cardiovascular autonomic function in hypothyroid patients.