Effect of supervised integrated exercise on deep breathing-heart rate variability in male hypertensive patients

The aim of the study was to evaluate if prolonged supervised integrated exercise in male hypertensive patients reverses tire deterioration of heart rate variability. Sixty six male hypertensive patients were divided into exercise (n = 30) and non-exercise groups (n = 36). Exercise group patients underwent a supervised integrated exercise program for one-year. Time domain analysis of heart rate variability was performed from electrocardiogram during deep breathing. Heart rate variability decreased significantly (p<0.001) in hypertensive patients. HRV increased significantly after six months (p<0.001) and 12 months (p<0.01) of integrated exercise training. There was a significant decrease in blood pressure (p<0.001) in exercised hypertensive patients after 12 months compared to non-exercised group. Heart rate variability was significantly decreased (p<0.001) than normotensives after one-year in the non-exercised hypertensive patients. Long term supervised integrated exercise increased deep breathing heart rate variability and decreased blood pressure in the hypertensive patients. This suggested that integrated exercise program was able to reverse the autonomic dysregulation seen in hypertensive patients.