Buteyko Breathing and blood pressure

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 03 2009

Q: I was wondering if the Buteyko Breathing Technique would be another effective respiratory therapy to learn for lowering blood pressure?

A: The Buteyko Breathing Technique was developed in Russia to help control symptoms of asthma. Clinical studies suggest it reduces the need for rescue inhalers. It is my understanding that the benefits are achieved by breathing less. Breath holding increases blood pressure so my concern is that use of the Buteyko Breathing Technique might make hypertension worse.