Cardiovascular Health Month highlights link between alternate breathing techniques and heart health

Alternate breathing techniques used to treat sinus problems can also help prevent cardiovascular problems, a little-known fact being discussed for Cardiovascular Health Month.

According to Healthline, alternate nostril breathing is a controlled breathing method practiced in yoga. In addition to its benefits for mindful thinking and relaxation, a 2013 study found that alternate nostril breathing was the only type of breath work that had a positive effect on cardiovascular function, significantly lowering factors such as heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.

"Usually, patients with chronic sinusitis have issues breathing through the nose," Dr. Brian Lee of the Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center said. "Most patients come in saying that they're chronic mouth breathers, they don't sleep very well, they wake up with a really dry mouth and they start snoring more or louder. A lot of that just comes down to their nose being plugged and not functioning properly."

A smaller, additional study from 2017 observed the effects of "pranayama" practice on the lung functions of competitive swimmers and found that it had a positive effect on respiratory endurance, according to Healthline. With the cardiovascular system covering both the heart and lungs, breathing problems can also interfere with the heart.

"Anything that causes inflammation in the body can disrupt other chronic medical issues: high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes. A lot of patients with chronic sinusitis typically are put on antibiotics and usually oral steroids multiple times a year, and those steroids definitely can wreak havoc on a patient's blood sugar," Lee explained.

Working towards lowering the heart rate could be helpful in promoting cardiovascular health. According to a 2006 study published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, practicing slow, yogic breath such as alternative nostril breathing can significantly decrease heart rate and average breathing rhythm, which in turn holds the potential for long-term benefits.

If you have experienced sinus issues, are looking to evaluate your symptoms and considering seeing a doctor, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.