Is there a role for stress management in reducing hypertension in African Americans?

Abstract

When stress is considered as any demand placed on the body, the focus is shifted away from the stressor to how the body responds to the stress. There are psychological, physiological, and behavioral responses to excessive stress. Left unaddressed, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases may occur. The goal of meditation is to decrease mental activity while simultaneously resting and rejuvenating the body. There are internal and external approaches to meditation. The most researched internal form of meditation is the Transcendental Meditation technique, which has been found to reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and blood pressure in hypertensive African Americans. Clinical use of stress management approaches, particularly Transcendental Meditation to reduce hypertension, is supported by randomized clinical trials. Studies with larger numbers of participants and more diverse ethnic groups should continue.