Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Resperate guides people through deep-breathing exercises. As breathing slows, muscles surrounding the small blood vessels relax, so blood flows more freely and blood pressure drops.
The device includes a sensor belt to monitor breathing, a handheld computer unit and headphones. Musical tones delivered through the headphones indicate when to inhale and exhale. Resperate should be used for 15 minutes at least three times a week.
Results after eight weeks: People who used Resperate for an average of 23 minutes per week had a 15-point decrease in blood pressure. The effect was greater in elderly people and people who had stage 2 hypertension. Most people who used the device also took blood pressure medication.
Resperate may be covered by insurance.
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