HARMONY Study (Hypertension Analysis of Stress Reduction Using Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga)

HARMONY Study (Hypertension Analysis of Stress Reduction Using Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga)

The purpose of this study is to determine if Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an effective intervention for lowering blood pressure in early unmedicated hypertensives.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 20 to 75 years
2. Hypertension by ABPM at baseline (daytime > 135/85 mmHg or 24-hour ABPM > 130/80 mmHg)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Use of antihypertensive within 6 months of the screening ABPM.
2. Screening office BP > 180/100 and ABPM > 160/100 mmHg.
3. Diabetes
4. Secondary hypertension
5. Renal disease (GFR < 60 ml/min or overt nephropathy)
6. History of heart attack
7. Stroke or TIA or
8. Re-vascularization procedure.
9. Active malignant disease (except non-melanoma skin cancer)
10. Epileptic seizure 6 months before the screening visit.
11. Congestive heart failure
12. Severe liver disease
13. Pregnancy or lactation period
14. Participation in a clinical trial or receipt of investigational compound or treatment in the 3 months prior to the initial screening visit.
15. Planned elective surgery during the study period except for cataract surgery