When you are stressed and scared, your adrenal glands pump adrenaline into your blood, your heart speeds up and your blood vessels in your hands and feet squeeze tight. These physiological changes cause your blood pressure to increase in order to provide more oxygen and nutrients to your large muscles, heart and brain. When the stress level subsides, your blood pressure should decrease. With constant chronic stress, your blood pressure attains a new and higher level. With time, your blood pressure can reach the level where you are diagnosed as hypertensive.
In 1998, The Framingham Heart Study compared the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) of 931 men and 1,111 women attending a routine examination. The study found that HRV was significantly lower in men and women who were diagnosed with hypertension. The study also showed that men with normal hypertension but with a lower HRV on the initial visit, had a greater risk of developing hypertension at the 4-year follow up visit.
Throughout the time since the study occurred, medical science has established a close link between overactive sympathetic activity, lower HRV and high blood pressure. This study published in 2012 revealed that HRV-biofeedback guided slow paced breathing at your Personal Best Relaxation Breathing Rate increased HRV and decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
In fact, in 2013, the American Heart Association published their guidelines of alternative approaches to lowering blood pressure.
Use the ichoiceRelax HRV Biofeedback technology 20 minutes daily to guide you to breathe at your Personal Best Relaxation Breathing Rate and increase your HRV. Increasing your HRV counteracts the fight or flight response and activates the Relaxation Response. Optimally, with time, your blood pressure will decrease, and you will feel relief from stress.
Disclaimer: ichoiceRelax products are for general wellness and health applications including sports, fitness, and relaxation management. They are not intended to be used in prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease. The ichoiceRelax technology is not a substitute to your current medical treatment for hypertension. Do not make any changes to your treatment without the guidance of your physician.
View the full length American Heart Association guidelines here.