Relaxation and biofeedback techniques in the management of hypertension.
In a controlled trial, 27 patients with systemic hypertension were given training in relaxation and meditation using biofeedback procedures. As a result there was a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure in 77% of the patients. In 50% of the patients it was also possible to reduce antihypertensive drugs, ranging from 33 to 100%. Six-month follow up results show that the benefit can be maintained for a long term provided the patients practice relaxation regularly. The response is unlikely to be a "placebo effect" in the usual meaning. Its genuine therapeutic value should be exploited and reevaluated on a larger scale.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012064:Relaxation Therapy
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents