Nonpharmacologic treatment of resistant hypertensives by device-guided slow breathing exercises

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.