Device-Guided Paced Breathing in the Home Setting

Background— Regular slow breathing is known to improve autonomic cardiac regulation and reduce chemoreflex sensitivity in heart failure. We explored the acceptability and usefulness of a device for paced slow breathing at the home setting. Methods and Results— In this open pilot study, 24 patients with chronic heart failure (61% males, mean age, 64�9 years; New York Heart Association class, 2.81�0.01) were randomized to a control group receiving conventional treatment (n=12) or to a group receiving conventional treatment and device-guided paced breathing (n=12). Groups were comparable for age, therapies, and clinical characteristics. They were evaluated at baseline and again after 10 weeks by Doppler echocardiography, pulmonary function, cardiopulmonary stress test, and quality of life (Minnesota Quality of Life questionnaire). The treatment group was instructed to use the equipment for 18 minutes twice daily. The device is a computerized box connected to a belt-type respiration sensor and to headphones; ...