Genes linked to high blood pressure and whether 4-7-8 breathing lowers blood pressure
Expression of Genes Relating Hypertension in Thailand and the Efficacy of 4-7-8 Breathing Control on Reducing Blood Pressure in Individuals With Hypertension
It tests whether specific gene expression patterns are linked to hypertension and whether the 4-7-8 breathing technique can lower blood pressure in adults living in eastern Thailand.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Burapha University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (MueangChonburi, Changwat Chon Buri) |
| Trial ID | NCT07018128 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project has two linked parts: the first measures expression of five candidate genes (ADM, ANGPTL4, FOS, PTGS2, USP8) and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IFN-γ) in blood samples from 200 Thai adults aged 18–59 living in the eastern region. The second part invites 75 volunteers from the first group and randomizes them into three equal arms: no breathing training (control), a 4-7-8 breathing regimen performed as three sets per day, and a slow diaphragmatic breathing regimen performed twice daily. Participants in the breathing arms follow their assigned program daily for three months, with blood pressure changes as a primary outcome and adherence monitored throughout. The design pairs molecular profiling with a small randomized behavioral intervention to link biological markers with a low-cost self-care technique.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Thai adults aged 18–59 who currently reside in the eastern region of Thailand and can provide blood samples and, for the breathing portion, commit to daily breathing exercises for three months are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with significant heart disease, obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), active infections, or those unable to adhere to the breathing schedule are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for the breathing intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify genetic and inflammatory markers related to hypertension and offer a simple breathing technique that helps reduce blood pressure for some people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research on paced and slow diaphragmatic breathing has shown modest reductions in blood pressure, while evidence specifically for the 4-7-8 technique is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Study 1: 1. Group of individuals with hypertension Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female * Aged between 18-59 years * Of Thai ethnicity * Diagnosed with hypertension, defined as having an SBP of 140 mmHg or higher, or a DBP of 90 mmHg or higher, or having previously been diagnosed with hypertension and currently taking antihypertensive medication * Originally from various regions of Thailand and currently residing in the eastern region Exclusion Criteria: * Has heart disease, such as valvular stenosis or regurgitation, coronary artery disease, or heart failure * Has obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher * Has a fever or is currently experiencing an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, the flu, or other infections 2. Group of individuals with normal blood pressure Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female * Aged between 18-59 years * Of Thai ethnicity * Does not have hypertension, defined as having an SBP below 130 mmHg and a DBP below 85 mmHg, with no prior diagnosis of hypertension and no history of taking antihypertensive medication * Originally from various regions of Thailand and currently residing in the eastern region Exclusion Criteria: * Has heart disease, such as valvular stenosis or regurgitation, coronary artery disease, or heart failure * Has obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher * Has a fever or is currently experiencing an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, the flu, or other infections Study 2: Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female, aged 35-59 years * Diagnosed with hypertension, with blood pressure levels above the normal range, defined as SBP of 130 mmHg or higher, or DBP of 85 mmHg or higher, and currently taking medication * Originally from various regions of Thailand and currently residing in the eastern region * Able to communicate effectively Exclusion Criteria: * Has respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, kidney disease, cancer, or immune-related conditions such as allergies, autoimmune diseases (e.g., SLE), immunodeficiency, or rheumatoid arthritis * Is obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher * Has a fever or is currently infected, such as with COVID-19, the flu, or other infectious diseases * Is currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or has a history of pregnancy within the 6 months prior to participating in the study
Where this trial is running
MueangChonburi, Changwat Chon Buri
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University — MueangChonburi, Changwat Chon Buri, Thailand (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Piyapong Prasertsri, Ph.D.
- Email: piyapong@buu.ac.th
- Phone: 6638103166
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.