Breathing Exercises of CardioBreath Application on Autonomic and Vascular Function in Hypertension

Hypertension is one of the greatest public health challenges, affecting more than one billion people worldwide and representing a significant financial and public health burden. It is responsible for a high number of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Although pharmacological treatment is effective, non-pharmacological interventions are essential for the sustainable management of blood pressure, especially in its early stages. Respiratory exercises have shown potential in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiac vagal modulation, promoting cardiovascular health benefits.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of guided respiratory exercises using the CardioBreath app in improving vagal modulation and reducing arterial stiffness in adults with prehypertension or hypertension over six weeks. This is a randomized clinical trial involving adults with prehypertension or hypertension, divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group will use CardioBreath to perform daily breathing exercises, with weekly remote monitoring. Assessments will include heart rate variability parameters, baroreflex sensitivity, pulse wave velocity, and quality of life.

It is expected that the use of the app will significantly improve vagal modulation and arterial stiffness, demonstrating the potential of this intervention for the non-pharmacological management of hypertension. The use of CardioBreath may offer an accessible and effective alternative for blood pressure control, with the potential to be integrated into public health programs focused on low-cost, highly accessible interventions for the prevention and management of hypertension.