title: Effect of deep breathing test on finger blood pressure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The deep breathing test (DB) is a simple method to measure heart rate variability. However, in most studies the amplitude of blood pressure oscillations has not been considered and little is known about the influence of the deep breathing test on the blood pressure level.
  
  
  METHODS
  The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of DB on finger blood pressure (FBP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Continuous beat-to-beat FBP was recorded by the volume clamp method (Portapres model 2 monitor).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen volunteers were studied before, during and after DB at a fixed rate of six breaths/min. After DB, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean blood pressure (MBP) were lower than before DB by 9.1, 4.3 and 5.9 mmHg, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the reduction in the BP level and the amplitudes of induced oscillations in blood pressure and heart rate during the deep breathing test.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Deep breathing might be used to reduce blood pressure.
authors: Institute of Physiology, University of Tartu, 18 Ulikooli Street, 51014 Tartu, Estonia. kersti@ut.ee
authors: Kersti
authors: K
authors: Jagomägi
authors: Rein
authors: R
authors: Raamat
authors: Jaak
authors: J
authors: Talts
authors: Esko
authors: E
authors: Länsimies
authors: Jukka
authors: J
authors: Jurvelin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology*