Effectiveness of Yoga on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Patients With Pre- and Stage I Hypertension

Effectiveness of Yoga on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Patients With Pre- and Stage I Hypertension

The proposed study will compare a well defined and integrated yoga practice (postures/breath control/meditation) to a conventional exercise program in reducing hypertension. The expected outcomes include data on the effects of yoga on ambulatory blood pressure, psychosocial stress, and the autonomic system in individuals with pre- and Stage I hypertension. The information gained in this study will have a positive impact by providing critical preliminary and feasibility data to support a larger multi-ethnic randomized clinical trial on the effects of yoga on individuals with hypertension.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age: 21-64; Pre- or Stage I hypertension with mean office blood pressure (two measurements using aneroid sphygmomanometer) of systolic between 120 and 159 mmHg or Diastolic between less than or equal to 80 and 99 [1]
• Medically stable on any current medications; BMI (kg/m2) between 18.5 - 40
• English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Taking anti-hypertensive medication; Current use of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents
• Previous cardiovascular event (prior myocardial infarction, stroke, or angina pectoris)
• Current or previous cancer diagnosis
• Congestive heart failure
• History of kidney disease
• Signs or symptoms of significant peripheral vascular disease
• Significant co-morbidities that preclude successful completion of the study
• Yoga practitioner (participated in more than 3 yoga sessions within the last year)