--- title: "Evidence: device-guided paced breathing" description: "Slow breathing techniques can modestly lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension or prehypertension." url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s166.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s166.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s166.html" type: "study" study_key: "s166" journal: "Complement Ther Med" year: 2019 pmid: "31331557" doi: "10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.005" citations: 1 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" --- # Evidence: device-guided paced breathing [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › Evidence: device-guided paced breathing **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s166.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/s166 ## Citation | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Journal | Complement Ther Med | | Year | 2019 | | PMID | [31331557](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31331557/) | | DOI | [10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.005](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.005) | | Study key | s166 | ## Takeaway Slow breathing techniques can modestly lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension or prehypertension. ## The question What is the impact of device-guided and non-device-guided (pranayama) slow breathing on blood pressure reduction in hypertensive and prehypertensive patients at low cardiac risk? ## Hypothesis The study aims to assess if slow breathing interventions can reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension or prehypertension. ## Methods This meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials or the first phase of randomized cross-over studies. Eligible studies involved subjects with hypertension, prehypertension, or those on antihypertensive medication, with interventions of slow breathing at 10 breaths/minute for 5 minutes on 3 days/week, lasting 4 weeks or more, and with a control group. Data were extracted by two independent authors, bias risk was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and data were pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. Main outcomes were changes in systolic (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and/or decreased antihypertensive medication. ## Results Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis from 103 eligible citations. Slow breathing interventions resulted in an overall decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by -5.62 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by -2.97 mmHg. High heterogeneity was observed across all analyses. ## Conclusion Slow breathing leads to a modest reduction in blood pressure. It could be considered a reasonable initial treatment option for low-risk hypertensive and prehypertensive patients who prefer not to start medication. ## Limitations The meta-analysis reported high heterogeneity for all analyses, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. ## Verbatim from the abstract > device-guided slow breathing reduces blood pressure ## Blood Pressure Reduction from Slow Breathing | Measure | Change in Blood Pressure (mmHg) | | --- | --- | | Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) | -5.62 | | Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) | -2.97 | *Slow breathing decreased SBP by -5.62 mmHg and DBP by -2.97 mmHg.* ## Where this study is used on Magellan This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions. | Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages | | --- | --- | --- | | Slow-Breathing Pacer Device | — | — | ## Reference 1. **Evidence: device-guided paced breathing** Complement Ther Med 2019 · [PMID 31331557](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31331557/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.005](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.005) > device-guided slow breathing reduces blood pressure ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s166.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s166.html","name":"Evidence: device-guided paced breathing","description":"Slow breathing techniques can modestly lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension or prehypertension.","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s166.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Research map","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Evidence: device-guided paced breathing","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s166.html"}]},{"@type":"ScholarlyArticle","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s166.html#study","name":"Evidence: device-guided paced breathing","headline":"Evidence: device-guided paced breathing","datePublished":"2019","isPartOf":{"@type":"Periodical","name":"Complement Ther Med"},"identifier":"PMID:31331557","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31331557/","sameAs":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.005","abstract":"Slow breathing techniques can modestly lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension or prehypertension."}]} ``` ## Related on Magellan Longevity - [Device-guided slow breathing reduces blood pressure and sympathetic activity in young…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d31436511.md) - [Device and nondevice-guided slow breathing to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35601033.md) - [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) - [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md) ## Scope and disclosures Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).