Journals / CURARE Journal of Nursing / 2026 / Sayı: 10

Effects of Slow Breathing Exercises on Cardiovascular Health: Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Quality of Life

Yavaş Nefes Egzersizlerinin Kardiyovasküler Sağlık Üzerine Etkileri: Nabız, Kan Basıncı ve Yaşam Kalitesi

Melike Çelik(MARMARA ÜNİVERSİTESİ, SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ FAKÜLTESİ, HEMŞİRELİK BÖLÜMÜ)0000-0003-0726-639X
Selda Çelik(SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, HAMİDİYE HEMŞİRELİK FAKÜLTESİ, İÇ HASTALIKLARI HEMŞİRELİĞİ BÖLÜMÜ)0000-0003-4328-3189
Pages
48–53
Publication Date
2026-04-24
DOI
—
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

However, larger and longer term studies are needed to clarify their effectiveness and optimal application methods.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Cardiovascular diseases, which affect the heart and circulatory system, represent a major global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality.
📊
Key Findings & Data:In particular, coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction can both restrict daily activities and increase the risk of death.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:However, larger and longer term studies are needed to clarify their effectiveness and optimal application methods.
🔬Design:Derleme
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Kan basıncı · kardiyovasküler sağlık · nabız

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases, which affect the heart and circulatory system, represent a major global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. In particular, coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction can both restrict daily activities and increase the risk of death. In patients following acute myocardial infarction, changes in vital signs are of great importance. In particular, alterations in heart rate and blood pressure may increase subsequent cardiac risks and therefore require regular monitoring. In recent years, there has been growing interest in studies examining the effects of slow breathing exercises on cardiovascular health. In this context, in addition to pharmacological treatments, slow breathing exercises based on diaphragmatic breathing are thought to exert beneficial effects on heart rate and blood pressure. These techniques have been reported to support autonomic nervous system balance by enhancing parasympathetic activation, improving baroreflex sensitivity, and reducing stress and anxiety levels, thereby contributing to improved quality of life. Current evidence suggests that breathing exercises are safe, simple, and may serve as a complementary approach alongside pharmacological therapies. However, larger and longer term studies are needed to clarify their effectiveness and optimal application methods.

Özet

Kardiyovasküler hastalıklar, kalp ve dolaşım sistemini etkileyen ve dünya genelinde yüksek morbidite ve mortaliteye yol açan önemli sağlık sorunları arasında yer almaktadır. Özellikle koroner arter hastalığı ve akut miyokard infarktüsü, hem günlük yaşamı kısıtlayabilmekte hem de ölüm riskini artırabilmektedir. Akut miyokard infarktüsü sonrası hastalarda yaşam bulgularındaki değişiklikler, özellikle nabız ve kan basıncı, ilerleyen dönemde kardiyak riskleri artırabileceği için düzenli takibi büyük önem taşımaktadır. Yavaş nefes egzersizlerinin Kardiyovasküler sağlık üzerindeki etkilerini inceleyen çalışmalar, son yıllarda giderek artan bir ilgiyle ele alınmaktadır. Bu noktada, farmakolojik tedavilere ek olarak yavaş ve derin nefes egzersizlerinin (diyafram nefesi temelli) kalp hızı ve kan basıncı üzerinde olumlu etkiler sağlayabileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu tekniklerin, otonom sinir sistemi dengesini destekleyerek parasempatik aktivasyonu artırabileceği, barorefleks duyarlılığını güçlendirebileceği ve stres ile anksiyete düzeylerini azaltarak yaşam kalitesini iyileştirmeye katkı sağlayabileceği bildirilmektedir. Mevcut kanıtlar, nefes egzersizlerinin uygulanmasının güvenli, kolay ve farmakolojik tedavilere ek tamamlayıcı bir yöntem olabileceğini göstermektedir. Ancak etkinliği ve optimal uygulama yöntemlerinin netleştirilmesi için daha geniş ve uzun süreli çalışmalara ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır.

🔖

Cite This Article

Çelik, M., Çelik, S. (2026). Effects of Slow Breathing Exercises on Cardiovascular Health: Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Quality of Life. CURARE Journal of Nursing, Sayı: 10, 48–53. https://ajindex.com/articles/1644783

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (65)

  1. WHO. World Health Organization. Cardiovascular Diseases 2025 [Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases#tab=tab_1.
  2. Nowbar AN, Gitto M, Howard JP, Francis DP, Al-Lamee R. Mortality from ischemic heart disease: Analysis of data from the World Health Organization and coronary artery disease risk factors From NCD Risk Factor Collaboration. Circulation: cardiovascular quality and outcomes. 2019;12(6):e005375.
  3. Pikala M, Maniecka-Bryła I. Fifteen-year mortality trends in Poland analysed with the use of standard expected years of life lost, 2000–2014. Scientific reports. 2017;7(1):8730.
  4. Dias CMCC, Macedo LB, Gomes LTJC, Oliveira PLSP, Albuquerque IVS, Lemos AQ, et al. Quality of life of patients after an acute coronary event: hospital discharge. Journal of Clinical Medicine Research. 2014;6(5):362.
  5. Vrints C, Andreotti F, Koskinas KC, Rossello X, Adamo M, Ainslie J, et al. 2024 ESC guidelines for the management of chronic coronary syndromes: developed by the task force for the management of chronic coronary syndromes of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) endorsed by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). European heart journal. 2024;45(36):3415-537.
  6. TÜİK. Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu Ölüm ve Ölüm Nedeni İstatistikleri, 2023: Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu 2024 [Available from: https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Olum-ve-Olum-Nedeni-Istatistikleri-2023-53709.
  7. Bassand JP, Hamm CW, Ardissino D, Boersma E, Budaj A, Fernandez-Aviles F, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. Revista portuguesa de cardiologia: orgao oficial da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia= Portuguese journal of cardiology: an official journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. 2008;27(9):1063-143.
  8. Enç N, Uysal H. Akut Koroner Sendromlar. In: Enç N, editor. İç Hastalıkları Hemşireliği. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri; 2021.
  9. Akdemir N, Canlı Özer Z. Kardiyovasküler sistem hastalıkları ve hemşirelik bakımı. In: Akdemir N, editor. İç hastalıkları ve hemşirelik bakımı. 5. Baskı. Ankara: Akademisyen Kitapevi; 2020.
  10. Kalkan Uğurlu Y, Öz Alkan, H., Enç, N. Akut Koroner Sendromlar. In: N. E, editor. Kardiyovasküler Hemşirelik. İstanbul: Nobel tıp Kitabevleri.; 2019.
  11. Martin SS, Aday AW, Allen NB, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, et al. 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2025.
  12. Akman M, Civek S. Dünyada ve Türkiye’de kardiyovasküler hastalıkların sıklığı ve riskin değerlendirilmesi. The Journal of Turkish Family Physician. 2022;13(1):21-8.
  13. Byrne RA, Rossello X, Coughlan J, Barbato E, Berry C, Chieffo A, et al. 2023 ESC guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes: developed by the task force on the management of acute coronary syndromes of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care. 2024;13(1):55-161.
  14. Özer ZC, Şenuzun F, Tokem Y. Miyokart enfarktüslü hastalarda anksiyete ve depresyonun incelenmesi. Türk Kardiyoloji Dern Arş-Arch Turk Soc Cardiol. 2009;37(8):557-62.
  15. Delewi R, Vlastra W, Rohling WJ, Wagenaar TC, Zwemstra M, Meesterman MG, et al. Anxiety levels of patients undergoing coronary procedures in the catheterization laboratory. International Journal of Cardiology. 2017;228:926-30.
  16. Gallagher R, Trotter R, Donoghue J. Measuring anxiety levels before angiography and PCI. British Journal of Cardiac Nursing 2010b. 2010;5(1):46-7.
  17. Francula-Zaninovic S, Nola IA. Management of measurable variable cardiovascular disease'risk factors. Current cardiology reviews. 2018;14(3):153-63.
  18. Zou Y, Wu Q, Liu T, Wang JY, Liu L, Wang XH. The effect of slow breathing exercise on heart rate and blood pressure in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 2022;21(3):271-9.
  19. Sertifikalı Eğitim Merkezi “Nefes Koçluğu Eğitimi Notları” [Internet]. SEM Akademi Sertifikalı Eğitim Merkezi. 2024 [cited 27 Aralık 2024]. Available from: https://www.e-semakademi.com.tr/.
  20. Yokogawa M, Kurebayashi T, Ichimura T, Nishino M, Miaki H, Nakagawa T. Comparison of two instructions for deep breathing exercise: non-specific and diaphragmatic breathing. Journal of physical therapy science. 2018;30(4):614-8.
  21. Bayrak E. Hematopoetik kök hücre nakli yapılan yetişkin hastalarda rahatlatıcı nefes egzersizlerinin ağrı, yorgunluk ve lökosit sayısına etkisi. İstanbul: Lisansüstü Eğitim Enstitüsü; 2019.
  22. Kocjan J, Adamek M, Gzik-Zroska B, Czyżewski D, Rydel M. Network of breathing. Multifunctional role of the diaphragm: a review. Advances in respiratory medicine. 2017;85(4):224-32.
  23. Chen YF, Huang XY, Chien CH, Cheng JF. The effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing relaxation training for reducing anxiety. Perspectives in psychiatric care. 2017;53(4):329-36.
  24. Deadman P. The Transformative Power of Deep, Slow Breathing. Journal of Chinese Medicine (JCM). 2018(116):56-62.
  25. Martarelli D, Cocchioni M, Scuri S, Pompei P. Diaphragmatic breathing reduces exercise‐induced oxidative stress. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011;2011(1):10.
  26. Ma X, Yue ZQ, Gong ZQ, Zhang H, Duan NY, Shi YT, et al. The effect of diaphragmatic breathing on attention, negative affect and stress in healthy adults. Frontiers in psychology. 2017;8:234806.
  27. Jerath R, Beveridge C, Barnes VA. Self-regulation of breathing as an adjunctive treatment of insomnia. Frontiers in psychiatry. 2019;9:423812.
  28. La Rovere MT, Gnemmi M, Vaccarini C. Baroreflex sensitivity. Italian Heart journal Supplement: Official Journal of the Italian Federation of Cardiology. 2001;2(5):472-7.
  29. Jerath R, Edry JW, Barnes VA, Jerath V. Physiology of long pranayamic breathing: neural respiratory elements may provide a mechanism that explains how slow deep breathing shifts the autonomic nervous system. Medical hypotheses. 2006;67(3):566-71.
  30. Önder Ö. Nefesten solunuma nefes varsa umut da vardır. Genişletilmiş Dördüncü Baskı ed. İstanbul Kuraldığı Yayıncılık; 2022.
  31. Gökçe EN, Cengiz ZP, Erbaş O. Uzun ömrün sırrı: Vagus siniri. İstanbul Bilim Üniversitesi Florence Nightingale Tıp Dergisi. 2018;4(3):154-65.
  32. Johnston GR, Webster NR. Cytokines and the immunomodulatory function of the vagus nerve. British journal of anaesthesia. 2009;102(4):453-62.
  33. Larsen PD, Tzeng YC, Sin PYW, Galletly DC. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia in conscious humans during spontaneous respiration. Respiratory physiology & neurobiology. 2010;174(1-2):111-8.
  34. Kobayashi H. Postural effect on respiratory sinus arrhythmia with various respiratory frequencies. Applied Human Science. 1996;15(2):87-91.
  35. Pramanik T, Sharma HO, Mishra S, Mishra A, Prajapati R, Singh S. Immediate effect of slow pace bhastrika pranayama on blood pressure and heart rate. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2009;15(3):293-5.
  36. Zaccaro A, Piarulli A, Laurino M, Garbella E, Menicucci D, Neri B, et al. How breath-control can change your life: a systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing. Frontiers in human neuroscience. 2018;12:409421.
  37. Doll A, Hölzel BK, Bratec SM, Boucard CC, Xie X, Wohlschläger AM, et al. Mindful attention to breath regulates emotions via increased amygdala–prefrontal cortex connectivity. Neuroimage. 2016;134:305-13.
  38. Ignatavicius DD, Workman ML, Rebar CR, Heimgartner NM. Medical-Surgical Nursing-E-Book: Medical-Surgical Nursing-E-Book. Tenth Edition ed: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2020.
  39. Antoni ML, Boden H, Delgado V, Boersma E, Fox K, Schalij MJ, et al. Relationship between discharge heart rate and mortality in patients after acute myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. European heart journal. 2012;33(1):96-102.
  40. Xu T, Zhan Y, Xiong J, Lu N, He Z, Su X, et al. The relationship between heart rate and mortality of patients with acute coronary syndromes in the coronary intervention era: meta-analysis. Medicine. 2016;95(46):e5371.
  41. Zou Y, Zhao X, Hou YY, Liu T, Wu Q, Huang YH, et al. Meta-analysis of effects of voluntary slow breathing exercises for control of heart rate and blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The American journal of cardiology. 2017;120(1):148-53.
  42. Anchala R, Kannuri NK, Pant H, Khan H, Franco OH, Di Angelantonio E, et al. Hypertension in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension. Journal of hypertension. 2014;32(6):1170-7.
  43. Sonwane TD, Mishra NV. Study of effects of yoga and pranayam on human reaction time and certain physiological parameters in normal and hypertensive subjects. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 1970;6(4):323-.
  44. Upadhyay J, Shetty S, Saoji AA, Yadav SS. Effects of Nadishodhana and Bhramari Pranayama on heart rate variability, auditory reaction time, and blood pressure: A randomized clinical trial in hypertensive patients. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2023;14(4):100774.
  45. Jones CU, Sangthong B, Pachirat O, Jones DA. Slow breathing training reduces resting blood pressure and the pressure responses to exercise. Physiol Res. 2015;64(5):673-82.
  46. Sundaram B, Maniyar PJ, Singh VP. Slow breathing training on cardio-respiratory control and exercise capacity in persons with essential hypertension--a randomized controlled trial. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy. 2012;6(2):17-21.
  47. Elliott WJ, Izzo JL, White WB, Rosing DR, Snyder CS, Alter A, et al. Graded blood pressure reduction in hypertensive outpatients associated with use of a device to assist with slow breathing. The Journal of Clinical Hypertension. 2004;6(10):553-9.
  48. Howorka K, Pumprla J, Tamm J, Schabmann A, Klomfar S, Kostineak E, et al. Effects of guided breathing on blood pressure and heart rate variability in hypertensive diabetic patients. Autonomic Neuroscience. 2013;179(1-2):131-7.
  49. Rubenfire M, Ogedegbe G, Bisognano JD, Elliott WJ, Fuchs FD, Hughes JW, et al. Beyond Medications and Diet: Alternative Approaches to Lowering Blood Pressure. Hypertension. 2013;61.
  50. D'silva F, Vinay H, Muninarayanappa NV. Effectiveness of deep breathing exercise (DBE) on the heart rate variability, BP, anxiety & depression of patients with coronary artery disease. Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU. 2014;4(01):35-41.
  51. Viskoper R, Shapira I, Priluck R, Mindlin R, Chornia L, Laszt A, et al. Nonpharmacologic treatment of resistant hypertensives by device-guided slow breathing exercises. American journal of hypertension. 2003;16(6):484-7.
  52. Çelik M. Primer Perkütan Koroner Girişim Sonrası Hastalara Uygulatılan Yavaş Nefes Egzersizinin Nabız, Kan Basıncı ve Yaşam Kalitesi Üzerine Etkisi Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Hamidiye Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü 2025.
  53. WHOQOL. The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) 2012 [updated 2012. Available from: https://www.who.int/tools/whoqol#:~:text=WHO%20defines%20Quality%20of%20Life,%2C%20expectations%2C%20standards%20and%20concerns.
  54. Spertus JA, Salisbury AC, Jones PG, Conaway DG, Thompson RC. Predictors of quality-of-life benefit after percutaneous coronary intervention. Circulation. 2004;110(25):3789-94.
  55. Failde II, Soto MM. Changes in health related quality of life 3 months after an acute coronary syndrome. BMC public health. 2006;6:1-10.
  56. CDC. National Center for Chronic Promotion. Health-Related Quality of Life. 2020 [updated 2020. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hrqol/concept.htm.2020/11/17.
  57. Carroll DL, Malecki-Ketchell A, Astin F. Non-pharmacological interventions to reduce psychological distress in patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization: a rapid review. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 2017;16(2):92-103.
  58. Veremci Ş. Koroner anjiyografi uygulanacak hastalara işlem öncesi verilen eğitimin anksiyete düzeyi ve yaşamsal bulgular üzerine etkisi. Eskişehir: Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi; 2022.
  59. Yıldırım G, Oğuz S. Perkütan koroner girişim uygulanan hastalarda müzik ve doğa seslerinin yaşam bulguları ve anksiyete üzerine etkisi. Avrasya Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2022;5(1):32-41.
  60. Erkan ŞT, Demirgüç A. Akut Koroner Sendrom Tanılı Bireylerin Uyku Kalitesi, Yorgunluk, Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyi ve Yaşam Kalitesinin Değerlendirilmesi. Sağlık Bilimleri ve Klinik Araştırmaları Dergisi. 2021;2(2):95-108.
  61. Szygula-Jurkiewicz B, Zembala M, Wilczek K, Wojnicz R, Polonski L. Health related quality of life after percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients with acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation. 12-month follow up. European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery. 2005;27(5):882-6.
  62. Lalonde L, O'connor A, Joseph L, Grover SA. Health-related quality of life in cardiac patients with dyslipidemia and hypertension. Quality of Life Research. 2004;13:793-804.
  63. Mollon L, Bhattacharjee S. Health related quality of life among myocardial infarction survivors in the United States: a propensity score matched analysis. Health and quality of life outcomes. 2017;15:1-10.
  64. Brown N, Melville M, Gray D, Young T, Munro J, Skene AM, et al. Quality of life four years after acute myocardial infarction: short form 36 scores compared with a normal population. Heart. 1999;81(4):352-8.
  65. Kalkan Uğurlu Y, Öz Alkan, H., Enç, N. Akut Koroner Sendromlar. In: N. E, editor. Kardiyovasküler Hemşirelik. İstanbul: Nobel tıp Kitabevleri.; 2019.