Effect of paced breathing on cardiovascular variability parameters

We assessed in a sample of 30 healthy subjects the changes brought about by paced breathing on cardiovascular variability (CV) signals (heart period and arterial blood pressure). In order to better interpret the results, we also measured standard ventilatory parameters, including end-tidal CO₂. We found that paced breathing induces a very mild hyperventilation, with no evident signs of mental stress. CV parameters did not change or changed slightly with no valuable physiological or practical implications. Hence paced breathing may be safely used to standardize non-invasive laboratory investigations on the autonomic control of the cardiovascular function.