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

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

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.

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