Forty years ago, my father had high blood pressure.  He tried drugs, he tried going away to the country, and taking extended vacation.  He controlled his diet.  Finally, he decided to take yoga classes at the All India Yoga Institute.  Within two years, his blood pressure was under control and it still is under control.

I tried doing meditation but was having a really hard time getting my breath under control.  While searching the Internet I found reference to a FDA approved device called Resperate  that claims to lower blood pressure by using special breathing exercises.  Studies showed that within eight weeks of regularly using the device, patients’ blood pressure was lowered by an average of 14 systolic points (the upper number in the reading) and 9 diastolic points (the lower reading). Resperate costs $299–a bit expensive for a gadget.  I get the feeling “medical devices” are priced like parts on a sailboat or airplane–triple the price.  Since they had a eight week money back guarantee I ordered it. 

What do you get?  The resperate device, a set of headphones, and a band to place just below your chest. When you start the exercise Resperate measures your breathing rate–mine was initially 17 breaths per minute. The goal is to get it under 10 breaths per minute. The device guides to slow your breathing through a series of tones that prompt you to breathe in and out.  The exercise lasts for approximately fifteen minutes.

Is it easy to do?

Yes, but you have to do it consistently (3-5 times per week) and it takes a bit of discipline. To be honest I have had a hard time doing this consistently but am going to give it another try (that’s what New Year’s Resolutions are for).  It is very relaxing to do the exercise right before going to sleep–I sleep much better if I do it.

Does it work?

I don’t know.  Resperate does offer links to seven peer-reviewed articles on their website that discuss the methodology.

::amazon(“B0007NOY3E”, “Resperate”)::

What do I wish was different?

It’d be cool if they’d make it about the size of an Ipod.  Better yet, license the “tune” to iPod and create an interface that would hook up the belt that measures the breaths per minute.  About the only other thing I don’t like is the tangle of wires and belts that inevitably results with the device.  Of course that’s true of most electronic devices.

Is it worth trying?

Drugs have side effects.  High Blood Pressure is a leading cause of health problems in the country.  For me, I thought it was worth the try.  Even if it doesn’t help my blood pressure, the device leaves me feeling much more relaxed and focused–not a bad thing.  I continue to eat healthy, exercise, and take my medicines and follow my cardiologist’s advice.

Each year, about 250,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest, which can result from heart attacks, underlying heart disease or accidents, among other causes. Most such deaths happen in the home, roughly 70 percent, and 95 percent of victims die even before reaching the hospital. Paramedics can shock victims’ hearts back to a normal beat with defibrillators, but they rarely arrive in time. For defibrillation to be effective, the shock must be delivered within the first few minutes of collapse. In fact, for every minute that goes by without defibrillation, a victim’s chance of survival decreases by 7-10%. And after 10 minutes, it is unlikely that the person will survive. Recent studies have shown easily accessible defibrillators will double survival.

When sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes, the electrical system of the heart short circuits, causing the heart to quiver rather than pump in a normal rhythm. It typically results in the abnormal heart rhythm know as ventricular fibrillation (VF). It usually happens without warning and the majority of people have no previously recognized symptoms of heart disease. And it most often happens at home. For the best chance of survival from SCA caused by VF, a defibrillator should be used within 5 minutes. Yet, less than 1 in 20 people survive largely because a defibrillator does not arrive in time.

::amazon(“B00064CED6″, “HeartStart”)::

AED’s are commonly found in public spaces like airports and schools.  Now you can have this crucial lifesaving technology at home.  The HeartStart Home Defibrillator is available without a prescription, which means that it is considered safe and easy to use by virtually anyone with the materials provided in the package. The Phillips HeartStart Home Defibrillator includes:

• The HeartStart Home Defibrillator
• Adult SMART Pads cartridge* (lasts 2 years)
• Battery (lasts 4 years)
• Training video
• Red carry case
• 5-year warranty

To use the Heart Start Home Defibrillator when you suspect someone is in cardiac arrest first call 911. Then you open the red case and pull on the green handle. At this point the defibrillator’s voice instructions guide your actions. The defibrillator senses when the SMART Pads have been applied to the skin. Then it automatically begins analyzing the victim’s heart rhythm and decides whether a shock is needed. In collaboration with the SMART Pads cartridge, the voice instructions are paced to correspond with the real-time actions of each unique user. For a demonstration of the Heart Start Defibrillator go to http://www.heartstarthome.com/animated_demo/animated_demo.asp.

The underlying defibrillation technology of the HeartStart Home Defibrillator is identical to the over 100,000 Philips defibrillators in use on airplanes and in airports, workplaces, and communities around the world. Using a highly accurate algorithm to determine whether a victim’s heart requires a shock, the HeartStart Home Defibrillator will only deliver a shock if it determines one is needed.

The HeartStart Home Defibrillator is designed to be easy to own and ready when called upon. As long as the battery is installed, the device automatically tests itself every day. If the self-test detects a problem, or if the SMART Pads cartridge or battery needs to be replaced, the green ready light turns off and the device loudly chirps. Pressing the blue i-button provides you with more specific information.

 Go to www.heartstarthome.com for more information.