The Heart Coherence techniques developed by The HeartMath Institute based on breathing and positive emotions promote psychophysiological coherence as shown by the sine wave-like pattern in the heart rate variability waveform. This mode of functioning of the body systems reflects increased autonomic nervous system synchronization and promotes mental, emotional and physiological well being. Cardiovascular coherence can improve blood pressure regulation.
Optimal blood pressure is defined as having a systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure below 80 mmHg (Mean arterial pressure of 93 mmHg) . Hypertension of high blood pressure is defined as having a systolic blood pressure at or above 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure at or above 90 mmHg (Mean arterial pressure of 107 mmHg). The lifetime risk for developing hypertension among adults aged 55 to 65 years with normal blood pressure is 90%. Hypertension affects more than one in five people in Canada. Hypertension is the number one reason for taking medication. Elevated blood pressure is related to the development of cardiovascular diseases with cardiovascular mortality doubling with each 20/10 mmHg increase in blood pressure.
This study examined the effects of a Heart Coherence technique developed by The HeartMath Institute to immediately lower blood pressure. In this study 62 hypertensive participants were divided into 3 groups by intervention and medication status. Group 1 participants were taking hypertension medication and were trained in the use of a Heart Coherence exercise. Group 2 participants were not medicated but were trained in the use of a Heart Coherence exercise. Group 3 participants were taking medication and were asked to use a familiar relaxation exercise. There was no significant difference between the groups ages or blood pressure.
The results show that all 3 non-pharmacological interventions significantly reduced Systolic, Diastolic and Mean Arterial blood pressure. Group 1 and Group 2 individuals that were using the Heart Coherence exercise showed a significant Mean Arterial blood pressure reduction compared to a familiar relaxation exercise.
The importance of this study is that Heart Coherence Techniques can be used to reduced blood pressure without causing harm. As a Naturopathic Doctor I support the use of non-pharmacological interventions that are in agreement with the Naturopathic Principle of “First Do No Harm.”
References:
Alabdulgader A, Coherence: A Novel Nonpharmacological Modality for Lowering Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients, Global Adv Health Med. 2012;1(2):54-62.
McCraty R, Atkinson M, Tomasino D, and Bradley R, The Coherent Heart: Heart-Brain Interactions, Psychophysiological Coherence, and the Emergence of System-Wide Order, HeartMath Research Center, Institute of HeartMath, Publication No. 06-022. Boulder Creek, CA, 2006.
Public Health Agency of Canada, Chronic Diseases, Cardiovascular Disease 2013-10-07.
