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

References

Geriatric Review Syllabus, 7th edition Parada JT et al (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2010