A new option for hypertensive patients

Jul 18 (HeartCenterOnline) - For patients suffering from high blood pressure there is a new, non-invasive medical device now available over-the-counter that is designed to reduce blood pressure through guided breathing. The over- the-counter availability of the new device (RESPeRATE) was announced by the manufacturer InterCure in a July 17, 2002 press release.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition commonly associated with narrowing of the arteries. This causes blood to be pumped with excessive force against the artery walls. It is a sign that the heart and blood vessels are being overworked. Untreated, hypertension will cause the heart to eventually overwork itself to the point where serious damage can occur. Hypertensive patients are also at increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Hypertension is a major health problem in the United States, where more than 50 million people (1 in 4 adults) have the condition, according to the American Heart Association. It is especially common among African- Americans, who are one of the most likely ethnic groups in the world to be diagnosed with high blood pressure (see High Blood Pressure & African Americans). It has also been diagnosed in two-thirds of Americans over 65 and a growing number of children (see Hypertension in Children).

Previous research has shown that routine breathing exercises can lower blood pressure. However, these breathing exercises are difficult to perform correctly without coaching or supervision. RESPeRATE is a new product designed to be that personal coach. The RESPeRATE device coaches people to correctly perform breathing exercises, which must be performed every day. The device monitors the patients' breathing rate and through headphones guides them through breathing exercises. The goal is slowing down their breathing rate to the "therapeutic zone" and ultimately reducing their blood pressure. There are no known side effects from this non-drug treatment. It has been approved for adjunctive treatment, meaning that it has been shown to be effective when used by someone already taking blood pressure medication.

"We are thrilled to be announcing FDA clearance to sell RESPeRATE over the counter. Now the tens of millions of people suffering from high blood pressure have easy access to this remarkable therapy," said Paul Sheils, president and CEO of InterCure. "Patients finally have a nondrug, no- side-effects treatment option to lower their blood pressure that's easy and pleasant to use and can be incorporated safely into their existing hypertension therapies."

To read more about this topic visit HeartCenterOnline's Blood Pressure Center.