Breathe away the stress: biofeedback study targets heart health in minorities

This completed study tested whether a four-week heart rate variability biofeedback program—simple paced breathing exercises—could help young ethnic minority adults (ages 18-35) with a family history of heart disease manage stress and anxiety. Participants were randomly assigned to either the breathing group or a control group. Researchers measured changes in heart rate variability, anxiety levels, and stress responses to see if this low-cost, non-invasive approach could lower heart disease risk.