An FDA-approved biofeedback device called Resperate may help a small percentage of patients lower their blood pressure without medication.
The device measures a person's normal breathing right and then provides visual and musical cues to help them slow the rate.
"People can lower their respiratory rate from their starting rate of 14 or 12, down to 10 or eight, sometimes six breaths a minute," said Dr. David Schechter, a Beverly Hills physician who has prescribed the device.
Schechter also said studies suggest relaxed breathing helps relax the nervous system and may in turn relax blood vessels.
Since other research shows that stress may play a role in raising some people's blood pressure, stress reduction through biofeedback may be helpful in lowering that pressure in certain cases.
Everyone should have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis, since it may be elevated without causing symptoms. The decision to use diet, exercise, medicine and/or biofeedback should be based on a person's individual history and the personal physician's recommendation.
While some people may be able to lower their blood pressure without pills, the vast majority will require some sort of medical treatment and the choice must be made with the help of an expert.
