Effectiveness of Tomato Juice on Blood Pressure among Elderly

Aims & Objectives: The goal of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of tomato juice on blood pressure among elderly hypertensive patients in selected old age homes at Mysore. Methods: A quasi-experimental, time series design was adopted to find the effectiveness of tomato juice on blood pressure among 40 hypertensive patients selected using non-probability purposive sampling from selected old age homes at Mysuru. Demographic data sheets and the blood pressure monitoring diary were used as a tool for data collection. The samples were assessed for their BP in a supine position for two weeks 3 times a day an interval of 4 hrs and 8 hrs. The first 7 days were considered as pretest BP. Later 150 ml of tomato juice was administered and post Blood Pressure was assessed simultaneously 3 times a day at intervals of 30 mts, 4 hrs, and 8 hrs. Results: A paired t-test was done to compare the mean pre and post-systolic BP, the obtained t value15.96 was found to be significant at p level<0.01. In the comparison between mean pre and mean post-diastolic BP, the calculated value of 27.35 was found significant at <0.01p level. There was no significant association with the demographic variables. Interpretation and conclusion: Based on the above findings it is inferred that tomato juice is very effective in controlling both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.