It is estimated that about one-third of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as 140/90 or higher. Because there are no symptoms, about one-third of those with high blood pressure do not know that they even have it. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it tested. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, or kidney failure. Even with treatment and lifestyle modifications, most people with high blood pressure do not have their blood pressure under control.

There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help lower blood pressure. We have discussed most of these in the past. They include weight loss, regular exercise, regular health care, using alcohol in moderation only, not smoking, limiting caffeine consumption, stress reduction, reduced sodium consumption and a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy and low in fats. A study published in 2001 indicates that regular sessions of slow and regular breathing can effectively lower blood pressure. The technology called BIM (Breathe with Interactive Music) guides patients toward slow and regular breathing. Treatment was either musically guided breathing exercise at home with the BIM device or listening to quiet music with headphones for 10 minutes daily for 8 weeks. Patients using the BIM device lowered their systolic blood pressure an average of 8 points and diastolic pressure 4 points. Subsequent studies on the RESPeRATE device showed average reductions of 14 systolic points and 9 diastolic points. It appears that therapeutic breathing lowers blood pressure by relaxing smooth muscles around small blood vessels which allows blood to flow more easily.

Therapeutic breathing is defined as fewer than 10 breaths per minute with prolonged exhalation. Normal breathing is usually 14 to 18 breaths per minute. The benefits of therapeutic breathing have been known for years but it is hard to achieve without coaching. The RESPeRATE is a battery-operated device about the size of a paperback book that uses audio and visual cues to guide the user through breathing exercises. Each 15-minute session slows breathing to 10 breaths per minute with prolonged exhalation. Although breathing returns to normal after each session, the beneficial effects appear to be cumulative and create a lasting reduction in blood pressure. Eight weeks of regular use of 3 to 4 fifteen minutes sessions per week helped patients lower their blood pressure. The device can be used alone or in conjunction with other medications or treatments.

References: http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20020717/breathing-easy-lowers-blood-pressure, http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2114.

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