New method may reduce high BP without drugs

A new mindfulness-based stress reduction technique may decrease the need for medications as the only options for optimising blood pressure levels, scientists say.
Current high blood pressure treatment guidelines recommend lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and overall weight loss.
According to the new study, these changes can be dramatically augmented by mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) as the methodology includes stress reduction, meditation for depression and anxiety and structured treatment management programme.
The blinded trial included nearly 100 patients between 30-60 years of age who were not taking medications for pre-or hypertension.
"This was one of the first prospective randomised trials of MBSR as a nonpharmocologic treatment option," said study author Richard Josephson, from the University Hospitals Case Medical Centre.

"We are optimistic about its potential as a result of the findings and hope that more trials can be conducted to further evaluate the effectiveness of MBSR as it could have broad applications for multiple maladies," said Josephson who carried the study with Joel Hughes Associate Professor of Psychology at Kent State University.

The mindfulness-based stress reduction programme consisted of eight group sessions that were 2.5 hours in duration and consecutive weeks.
The MBSR included instruction and practice in mindfulness meditation skills along with discussion of stress, coping and homework assignments designed for patients to document their mood and anxiety levels.

A therapist participated in the exercises with the group and guided them through body scan exercise where the participants "inventoried" how they felt in all parts of their body, sitting meditation and yoga.
The trial required participants to practice each for 45 minutes six days a week.
The alternate arm of the trial involved only progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) that included tension and release of specific muscle groups and homework assignments designed to mimic session time exercises.
MBSR resulted in substantial and statistically significant reductions in the primary outcomes, when measured in the clinic.
MBSR did not result in a larger decrease than PMR in pressures measured outside of the clinic by programmed monitors during the day or during sleep.

"It could also potentially decrease the need for medications as the only options for optimising blood pressure levels," said Josephson.
The study was published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.