A review of data from 780 adults with hypertension looked at the effects of mindfulness-based interventions. The results showed that these practices were linked to a significant reduction in both anxiety and depressive symptoms. Additionally, participants reported lower levels of perceived stress.
The study also found that mindfulness may lead to modest reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. While these findings suggest that mindfulness can be a helpful addition to managing high blood pressure, the evidence for its impact on stress and quality of life was less certain.
Because the evidence for stress and quality of life is limited, these results should be viewed as a starting point. Mindfulness may serve as a helpful complementary strategy for those managing hypertension, but it is not a replacement for standard medical care. Talk with your doctor about how these practices might fit into your personal health plan.
Common questions
Can mindfulness help with high blood pressure?
The study found that mindfulness-based interventions were linked to modest reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults with hypertension. While it may be a helpful complementary strategy, it is not a replacement for medical treatment. You should consult your doctor to see if it is right for you.
Does mindfulness help with the stress of having hypertension?
The data showed that mindfulness-based interventions were linked to a significant reduction in anxiety and a reduction in perceived stress. However, the researchers noted that the certainty of evidence for these specific improvements in stress and anxiety was low.
Can mindfulness help with depression in people with high blood pressure?
The study found that mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adults with hypertension. The researchers reported a moderate level of certainty for this specific finding, suggesting it may be a helpful tool for mental well-being.
