The FDA has approved the marketing of Resperate (InterCure), a device that helps patients breathe slowly, as an adjunct for treatment of hypertension.

THE DEVICE — Resperate consists of a battery-operated, lightweight (480 g) electronic monitor that records respiratory movements from a band wrapped around the chest or upper abdomen and produces, in response to the breathing pattern, a series of musical notes. Patients are asked to synchronize their breathing with the music, which gradually entrains the respiratory rate down, over a period of about 2 minutes, from the normal frequency of about 16 breaths per minute toward a goal of ≤10, preferably 5-6, breaths per minute. Resperate purchased directly from the manufacturer costs about $300; no prescription is required.

MECHANISM OF ACTION — Respiratory rates in the 6 breaths per minute range have been shown to ... more      

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