How Easy Breathing Lowers Blood Pressure

One of the chronic maladies of modern day America is elevated blood pressure. A single cause of high blood pressure has not been identified but contributing factors include: stress, excess weight, and lack of exercise. Of course, stress, weight gain and poor fitness are the sources for many health problems, but high blood pressure seems especially linked to these wellness issues.

Many doctors treat blood pressure as a chronic problem, once blood pressure medicine is prescribed taking a pill each morning becomes part of the daily routine. Medication has been seen as the only long-term blood pressure management program.

Breathing Slow and Deep

Numerous health studies reported in USA Today and Web MD describe the impressive benefits of slow and deep breathing exercises. The normal breathing rate for most people is between 14 to 18 breaths per minute. By consciously slowing your rate of breathing to 10 or less breaths per minute help to relax small blood vessels resulting in lower blood pressure readings. Performing these breathing exercises for 10 minutes, three times per week has been shown to lower blood pressure by an average of 14 systolic points (the first number in a blood pressure reading.

Tracking the long term effect of these studies has shown that patients receive these lowered readings on a consistent basis as long as the patients keep the three exercises per week routine.

Resparate Device Helps Achieve Goals

For those people who need a helping hand in reaching these benchmark goals during their exercise regimen, there is a device offered by Intercure, Inc. that acts as an electronic "coach". The device called "Resparate" uses audio cues to help patients reach the 10 breath per minute milestone.

The small device looks like an IPOD and comes with a set of earphones to provide instant feedback on your breathing rate. There is a small band that fastens around your chest and monitors your breathing rate. The device is expensive, priced at around $300 plus shipping costs. Check with your local pharmacy to see if Resparate is carried along with their traditional blood pressure cuffs.

Of course, as with any health matter, consult with your doctor before beginning any new program. It's always important to get medical advice about deep breathing exercises and how they may apply to your personal health situation. Now, take a deep breath and relax.