I experience palpitations when using resperate. My heartbeats are often "stronger" than normal. It starts almost immediately and ends when I finish my session. The heartbeats aren't faster than usual, just palpitations that are stronger and I'm more aware of my heartbeat than usual. Is this normal?
I've been using the machine for 7 weeks with no BP results yet.
Thanks!

Dear Chris,

I'm glad you wrote. First of all, palpitations are not normal when using RESPeRATE. Palpitations can occur from over-breathing or making an effort. Excessive effort may also explain why you are not seeing a blood pressure reduction.

It's very important to breathe comfortably throughout the entire RESPeRATE session. Effortless breathing is best achieved by a gradual inhalation through the nose, then a gradual exhalation through the mouth. One way to prolong exhalation is to purse your lips as if you were blowing out a candle.

Keep in mind that the goal is not to reach as low a breathing rate as possible -- only go as low as is comfortable. If the guiding tones ever become too slow to follow, simply stop following the tones and the device will readjust to your current comfortable breathing rate. It can be helpful to even remove the headphones for a short time.

Please note that if you have any chronic conditions such as ischemic heart disease/unstable angina, chronic atrial fibrillation (see full list), please talk to your doctor about using RESPeRATE.

Please call us at 1-877-988-9388 to speak to a product specialist and together we'll review your sessions to see how to best use RESPeRATE without an effort. In any case, if the palpitations persist it would be advisable to stop using the device.

We look forward to speaking to you.

RESPeRATE Team
Judy (Manager, Scientific Affairs)