Biofeedback-aided relaxation and meditation in the management of hypertension

Abstract

Based on clinical, epidemiological, and experimental work, a possible pathogenesis of essential hypertension is outlined. In the light of this possible pathogenesis, a behavioral treatment program is suggested which centers on the regular use of systematic training. Several controlled studies are described in which experimental patients given such training show clinically significant and lasting reductions in systolic and diastolic pressure. Following training, experimental patients also show quicker recovery of blood pressures to baseline levels after exposure to standardized laboratory stressors. Probable long-term benefits of relaxation training are suggested. Such benefits, however, can only be maintained if the patient regularly practices relaxation and integrates this into his everyday activities. How to motivated symptomless hypertensives to accept this requirement is discussed in the light of the writer's personal experience.

Meditation and the EEG

“…Meditation has been used successfully as a therapy in cases of insomnia (Woolfolk et al 1976), hypertension (Patel, 1977), and headache (Benson et al 1974). How meditation achieves its effects and whether they are primarily due to placebo effects, experimenter effects and cognitive dissonance effects, is open to debate.…”

A comparison of the effects of biofeedback and meditation treatment on essential hypertension

“…Patel (1977) notes the "failure of antihypertensive drug therapy to prevent myocardial infarction" (p. 2).…”

“…The second problem noted by Patel (1977) is the "lack of compliance with treatment" (p. 3). Patel (1977) states that "asking patients with symptomless hypertension to submit to lifelong medication, especially when many antihypertensive drugs produce unpleasant side effects, is not easy" (p. 3).…”

“…Patel (1977) states that "asking patients with symptomless hypertension to submit to lifelong medication, especially when many antihypertensive drugs produce unpleasant side effects, is not easy" (p. 3). Numerous authors (Langfeld, 1973;McKenney, Slining, Henderson, Devins, and Barr, 1973;Brook and Appel, 1973) have noted that even when pharmacological treatment was initiated, compliance with long-term medication, especially among asymptomatic hypertensives, was very poor.…”

“…Patel (1977) describes the connection between increases in blood pressure and cortical functioning in the following quote:…”