Expression of Genes Relating Hypertension in Thailand and the Efficacy of 4-7-8 Breathing Control on Reducing Blood Pressure in Individuals With Hypertension

In Study 1, the sample group includes 200 individuals aged 18-59 years, originating from various regions of Thailand but currently residing in the eastern region. Participants may have normal blood pressure, high blood pressure, or have been diagnosed with hypertension. Blood samples from the participants will be analyzed for the following variables: 1) expression of five genes-adrenomedullin (ADM), angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), proto-oncogene c-Fos (FOS), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and ubiquitin specific peptidase 8 (USP8), and 2) markers of inflammation-tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma levels in the blood.

In Study 2, the sample group includes 75 volunteers from Study 1 who are interested in participating. These volunteers will be randomly assigned into three groups of 25 people each. The first group is a control group whose participants will not receive any breathing training. The second group will practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds-this constitutes one cycle. They will repeat this for 6 cycles per set, three sets per day, with normal breathing between sets. The third group will practice deep diaphragmatic breathing at a rate of 6-10 breaths per minute for 15 minutes, twice a day. Participants in both the second and third groups are required to follow their assigned breathing programs daily for three consecutive months. At the end of the three months, all participants will be assessed on the same variables measured before the intervention: 1) systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, 2) blood pressure variability, and 3) inflammation markers, specifically tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma levels in the blood.