Nonpharmacologic treatment of resistant hypertensives by Device-Guided slow breathing exercises

Abstract Background Recent studies have demonstrated the antihypertensive effect of slow breathing exercises, guided interactively by a device, in patients with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) without changing medication. This study examined the response to the same treatment protocol in resistant hypertensives. Methods Seventeen resistant hypertensives exercised device-guided slow breathing for 8 weeks, 15 min daily, and self-monitored BP. Data stored in the devices were collected on a PC-based system. Clinical outcomes were office and home BP changes from baseline to end values. Results Significant reductions in both office BP (−12.9/−6.9 mm Hg, P< .001 and home BP (−6.4/−2.6 mm Hg, P< .01/P< .05) without side effects with 82% responders and good compliance. Conclusions Resistant hypertensives can benefit from and are compliant with self-treatment by device-guided slow breathing.