Why does the heartbeat synchronize with respiratory rate in super-healthy people?

Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA)

Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA, see RSA Training - Biotekna Plus) is the heart rate variability synching with breathing such that the “pulse-to-pulse” interval on the PPG tracing shortens when breathing in and lengthens when breathing out.
It has been seen that RSA is a physiological phenomenon reflecting qualitative cardio-respiratory-circulatory interactions.
Recent studies have shown that RSA enhances the efficiency of the (CO2/O2) pulmonary gas exchange through efficient ventilation/perfusion matching, suggesting that RSA plays a significant active physiological role.


For in-depth information: Respiratory sinus arrhythmia: why does the heartbeat synchronize with respiratory rhythm? Chest. 2004. 125:683-90. doi: 10.1378/chest.125.2.683.

RSA Training

New technique to analyze and intervene on the Autonomic Nervous System and the Somatic System

Why recover the RSA:

  • to improve heart rate variability (HRV) and autonomic nervous system regulation
  • to improve vagal system efficiency and activity
  • to reduce Chronic Stress, improve the stress response and prefrontal cortex efficiency
  • to regulate normal respiratory biochemistry
  • to regulate the neuromotor system of breathing and respiratory muscles response
  • to optimize the release of acetyocholine and regulate capillary permeability
  • to reduce low-grade chronic systemic inflammation 
  • to improve gas exchange efficiency during every respiratory cycle and the metabolic quotient
  • to correct chronic overbreathing, pH, related signs and symptoms (NQ questionnaire) and MUS (Medically-Unexplained Symptoms questionnaire
  • to regulate the transport of oxygen to tissues with a higher metabolic requirement
  • to release NO in order to improve vasodilation and increase the supply of O2 and glucose to tissues with a higher metabolic requirement in association with negative-PRAL buffered L-Arginine
  • to mitigate a variety of issues such as asthma, negative emotions, anger, fear, anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia
  • to mitigate chronic pain, gastro-intestinal disorders, the Raynaud’s syndrome and high blood pressure, including in association with the RegMatEx device
  • to improve sports, artistic, working, creative and school performances

Author: Dario Boschiero - Date: 10/09/2021


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