Mechanisms and Therapeutic Effects of the Relaxation Response in Elderly Hypertensive Patients

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center122 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the relaxation response is more effective than attention control in reducing blood pressure and medication dosage in elderly adults with isolated systolic hypertension.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the relaxation response is more effective than health education training (attention control) in reducing systolic blood pressure and anti-hypertensive medication elimination in elderly adults with isolated systolic hypertension.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

122

Conditions

Hypertension

Interventions

Relaxation responseBEHAVIORAL

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 55 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 55 years or older * currently taking at least 2 anti-hypertensive medications * systolic blood pressure between 140-159 mmHg * diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg * read and understand English * access to a telephone * ability to attend all study visits Exclusion Criteria: * other cardiovascular disease * major medical illness * previous experience with any RR eliciting technique * current use of:beta-agonist bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, anti-convulsants/psychotics, immunosuppressants, cytotoxic therapy, anabolic steroids, antidepressants (other than SSRIs), dicyclomine, bile acid binding resins, or sympathomimetic medication

Locations (1)

BIDMC

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Determine whether the relaxation response is more effective than a health education control in reducing blood pressure in elderly adults with isolated systolic hypertension.

Secondary Outcomes

Evaluate whether the relaxation response is more effective than a health education control to safely reduce blood pressure medications in elderly adults with isolated systolic hypertension..

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.