breathing entrainment device (RespErate)

Indications

• non-pharmaceutical treatment of chronic hypertension
  • lowers systolic BP by 15 mm Hg
  • lowers diastolic BP by 10 mm Hg

Procedure

• uses a strap around the chest to monitor breathing
• produces musical notes in response to respirations
• subject is instucted to synchronize respirations with music
• over ~2 minutes, subject generally able to lower respiratory rate to goal of < 10 breaths/minute
• slowed respiration associated with increased tidal volume & & cardiopulmonary stretch receptor stimulation
• sympathetic activity is diminished
• vasodilation increases
• blood pressure diminishes

More general terms

• device (medical device)