Hypertension and meditation: can meditation be useful in preventing hypertension?

Abstract

Hypertension is elevation of systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140mm of Hg and or diastolic blood pressure of (fifth Korotkoff’s Sound) equal to or greater than 90mm of Hg. Globally prevalence of hypertension is 26% to 30%. Essential hypertension constitutes more than 95 percent of all hypertensive cases and is influenced by unhealthy diet, obesity, sedentary life style, emotions and persistent exposure to stress. Hypertension is major cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. It is also said to be the “Silent Killer” because of its sudden appearance in the form of cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Meditation is a set of techniques that are intended to encourage a heightened state of awareness and focussed attention. Practitioner of meditation brings about desirable changes in their thoughts, perceptions, behaviour and lifestyle. Increased stress and hostility has been associated with increased release of catecholamine and corticoids causing hypertension and its complications. Meditation helps in changing attitude and approach towards life. It inculcates right thoughts and behaviour. Physiologically meditation causes parasympathetic dominance over sympathetic; maintain pulse rate and blood pressure, reduces vascular spasm and prevents complications associated with hypertension. After going through abstracts of 55 studies, we reviewed 10 randomized controlled trials which were compared by combining meditation with meditation and medication or meditation alone in patients above the age of 18 years, both men and women having blood pressure greater than 140/90mm of Hg doing meditation under supervision of meditation teacher or health care worker having trained in meditation. Meditation studies in any setting were considered. Control group included either people on medication or without medication or not doing meditation. Clustered and crossover studies and controlled after and before trials were excluded. Trials were considered where follow up period was eight weeks or more. Studies show that meditation improves exercise tolerance of stress test, reduces pulse rate, heart rate, stroke volume and blood pressure. Regular practice of meditation keeps the blood pressure under control hence reduction in all-cause mortality, non-fatal Myocardial Infarction and stroke. In view of the beneficial effects of meditation, it may be useful as primary intervention strategy in prevention of hypertension.