Effect of breathing rate on oxygen saturation and exercise performance in chronic heart failure

Although previous studies of chronic heart failure have shown respiratory dysfunction and the impact controlled breathing has on autonomic control and arterial oxygen saturation, the optimum breathing pattern is not known. Investigates the optimum breathing rate in patients with CHF and in healthy controls, and finds that slowing the respiratory rate reduces dyspnoea and improves both resting pulmonary gas exchange and exercise performance in patients with CHF. (Original abstract - amended)