Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. A key contributing factor is high blood pressure: hypertension accelerates vascular damage and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease – often progressing for years without any noticeable symptoms. Early detection and effective treatment of high blood pressure are therefore crucial steps towards reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease and improving long-term health outcomes.
To this end, the BPRelax system was developed at AIT, which can lower blood pressure without the use of medication – specifically through a special breathing exercise combined with biofeedback. In studies, this method demonstrated a reproducible and sustained reduction in systolic blood pressure to the same extent as blood pressure medication. The underlying research has been recognised with scientific awards, including the Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award from the American Heart Association and awards from the German Hypertension League.
The BPRelax system consists of a compact measuring device, somewhat reminiscent of a small gaming controller, and a medical app that processes the signals and provides the user with real-time feedback on the effectiveness of the breathing exercise. This enhances the positive effects.
The method demonstrates a reproducible and sustained reduction in systolic blood pressure to the same extent as blood pressure medication.
