Mindfulness Training for High Blood Pressure

This trial aims to determine if a short online mindfulness program can reduce stress and high blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. Participants will engage in two online group sessions that teach mindfulness techniques, methods to rethink stress, and ways to enhance positive emotions. The program, called B-MORE (Brief Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement), suits adults with high blood pressure (140/90 or higher) who speak English or Spanish fluently. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to explore innovative stress-reduction techniques that could enhance their well-being.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), the basis for B-MORE, is generally safe and well-tolerated. Previous studies found that participants experienced very few side effects. MORE has been tested in various trials, including those targeting opioid use and chronic pain, and it has maintained a good safety record, with few negative reactions reported.

Unlike typical treatments for high blood pressure, which often involve medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, B-MORE (Brief Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement) offers a non-drug alternative that focuses on mental well-being. This treatment is unique because it includes mindfulness training, cognitive reappraisal, and positive emotion regulation techniques, aiming to tackle high blood pressure by reducing stress and improving emotional health. Researchers are excited about B-MORE because it provides a holistic approach that could potentially minimize the need for medication and its associated side effects, offering a more integrative and accessible way to manage blood pressure.

Research has shown that mindfulness-based programs can help lower blood pressure. One study found that these programs reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Specifically, participants practicing mindfulness experienced an average drop of 9.1 mmHg in systolic and 5.7 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure. Mindfulness training also links to improved mental health, which can positively affect blood pressure. In this trial, participants will receive Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (B-MORE), which has been shown to reduce stress, a key factor in managing high blood pressure.³⁵⁶⁷⁸