The FDA recently approved a new nondrug therapy to reduce high blood pressure. Resperate, made by InterCure, guides the user through an exercise that slows the breathing to less than 10 breaths per minute. Clinical studies published in the American Journal of Hypertension show that the device lowered blood pressure levels by an average of 14 mmHg systolic and 9 mmHg diastolic after eight weeks of routine use. Average reductions were greater for older patients and those with higher baseline blood pressures.
The battery-powered unit consists of an elastic belt with a respiration sensor placed around the torso over clothing and standard headphones. Resperate, which sells for $299, is used 15 minutes per day, three to four times per week.
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