Capnometry & Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

At The Health Equation, we use advanced diagnostic and treatment tools such as non-invasive capnometry and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) monitoring to assess and improve health outcomes.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures the variation in time between heartbeats, reflecting how well the autonomic nervous system adapts to stress, rest, and activity.

• During inhalation, heart rate usually increases; during exhalation, it decreases. This natural fluctuation—known as the Breathing Heart Wave (BHW)—is a key indicator of autonomic function.

• HRV can be trained and improved using techniques like BHW, making it a powerful tool for regulating the subconscious nervous system.

Why HRV matters:

• Low HRV is linked to higher mortality risk, poor emotional regulation, and compromised health.

• High HRV reflects better autonomic balance, resilience, and overall well-being.

• HRV naturally declines with age, making optimal breathing physiology especially important for maintaining balance.

On a clinical scale from 0 (poor) to 30 (optimal), most people fall between 8–12. Many complex patient cases seen at The Health Equation involve autonomic dysregulation, where improving HRV through tailored breathing interventions plays a central role in treatment.

Capnometry

Capnometry provides a precise, scientific measurement of carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels and breathing rate. This insight helps identify dysfunctional breathing patterns that can otherwise go unnoticed.

• Breath influences both physical vitality and mental well-being.

• Many patients—around 70% in our clinics—display subtle signs of dysfunctional breathing without realizing it.

• Indicators may include frequent sighing, rapid speech, or difficulty catching breath.

The role of CO₂ in breathing:

• Proper CO₂ levels are essential for effective oxygen delivery to cells.

• Overbreathing causes excessive CO₂ loss (hypocapnia), which reduces oxygen supply (hypoxia) and impairs cellular function.

• Contrary to popular belief, “taking in more oxygen” does not correct this imbalance. In fact, in cases of acute hyperventilation, excessive CO₂ loss can trigger panic, dizziness, or breathlessness.

Clinical implications:
Improper breathing patterns may contribute to a wide range of conditions, including:

• Anxiety, panic, depression, and insomnia

• OCD, hyperactivity, and stress-related disorders

• Pain, asthma, and gut dysfunction

• Elevated blood pressure and autonomic imbalance

By combining HRV assessment with capnometry, The Health Equation identifies subtle imbalances in breathing and autonomic function—allowing us to create personalized treatment plans that improve resilience, restore balance, and enhance long-term well-being.

Diagnostic Consultation & Breathing Re-Training

At The Health Equation, your initial assessment—known as the Diagnostic Consultation—lasts up to 60 minutes and provides a comprehensive evaluation. This includes:

• A detailed case history and health profile

• A specialized breathing questionnaire

• Clinical assessments

• Capnography and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) analysis

Through this process, Gerry identifies whether patients have optimal breathing patterns or, more commonly, signs of breathing pattern disorder with possible autonomic dysregulation.

Breathing Pattern Disorders

Patients with dysfunctional breathing typically fall into two categories:

1. Intermittent over-breathing – triggered by specific situations or stress.

2. Chronic over-breathing – reflecting long-term habits that often require structured re-training with a capnometer.

Capnography-Guided Biofeedback

When appropriate, Gerry recommends a program of at least four 45-minute combination sessions, scheduled weekly. These involve:

• Capnotrainer biofeedback for breathing re-education

• Osteopathic Manual Technique (OMT) to support physiological balance and improve function

This integrative approach helps patients restore healthy breathing patterns and improve autonomic function.

Home Practice & Mindfulness Integration

To accelerate progress, patients are encouraged to continue capnotraining exercises at home between clinic sessions. Combining breathing re-education with mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can further enhance results by promoting calm, focus, and resilience.