Ailments and conditions pertaining to the cardiac system, including heart disease and hypertension, often manifest first as a higher pulse rate in patients. Many prescription drugs are available to help treat most heart-related disorders; however, not all patients may be able to afford these sometimes costly medications. Many natural alternatives are available to help lower pulse rate safely, but patients should first consult a medical professional before taking any.
Relaxation Breathing Exercises
Perhaps the easiest and most effective manner in which to lower one's pulse is by practicing any number of relaxing breathing techniques. According to Karl W. Palachuk of RelaxFocusSucceed.com, breathing techniques such as deep abdominal breathing (focusing on inflating the lungs with the diaphragm rather than with just the chest) and rhythmic breathing (controlling one's breath in accordance to a pre-determined cadence or rate) can have immediate effects on pulse rate. As the patient breathes in at a slower rate, oxygen intake also slows. This leads to a decrease in blood pressure as the heart begins to work less and less. Though these techniques are more effective for patients with mild to moderate symptoms, all patients can practice these exercises to also reduce anxiety, depression and stress.
Physical Activity
Although the idea may seem contradictory to the goal of lowering pulse rate, many studies show that regular exercise and physical activity can eventually lead to a lower pulse rate while at rest. According to the National Emergency Medical Association (NEMA), the heart is a muscle that responds to physical demands just as any other muscle in the body. In other words, more activity makes the muscle stronger and allows the heart to push blood through the body at a more efficient rate while working less. It should be noted, however, that pre-existing cardiac conditions such as hypertension or diabetes may offset the muscle-building qualities of the heart and that patients should check with their physician regarding any exercise program.
Magnesium Supplements
According to Dr. Nan Kathryn Fuchs, who publishes the Women's Health Letter newsletter and Alternative-Medicine-Digest.com, magnesium in supplement form can also help lower pulse rate. Due to the supplement's ability to prevent calcium buildup within veins and arteries, magnesium can also assist in the prevention of heart attack and major heart disease. In addition, magnesium typically makes muscles relax when ingested, thus having the same effect on cardiac muscle surrounding the heart.
