Relaxation techniques, such as breath control, mindfulness, and yoga, have been explored as potential methods to reduce the risk factors of high blood pressure. However, the longer-term effects of these techniques are not yet clear, according to a pooled data analysis of existing research published in the open access journal BMJ Medicine.
High Blood Pressure: A Leading Cause of Deaths
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects approximately 33% of individuals aged 30-79. It is one of the leading causes of deaths in both men and women. The risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke is significantly higher in individuals with high blood pressure. While medications are available to treat the condition, adherence to them is often poor, generating interest in alternative approaches to manage high blood pressure.
The Need for More Research
The lack of clear evidence on the effectiveness of relaxation techniques in lowering blood pressure has sparked interest in exploring these methods further. However, it is essential to note that the existing body of research is marred by a high risk of bias, which may affect the accuracy of the results.
The Pooled Data Analysis
A pooled data analysis of 182 studies was conducted to examine the potential impact of relaxation techniques on high blood pressure and elevated blood pressure. The analysis included 166 studies on high blood pressure and 16 on elevated blood pressure.
- The most commonly included interventions were breath control, yoga/tai chi, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, and music.
- The most commonly included techniques at the three-month mark were biofeedback, yoga/tai chi, and progressive muscle relaxation.
The Effects of Relaxation Techniques on Blood Pressure
The pooled results of 54 studies showed that most relaxation techniques seemed to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure for individuals with high blood pressure after 3 or fewer months. The most commonly included interventions were:
- Breath control, with a reduction of 6.65 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure.
- Meditation, with a drop of 7.71 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure.
- Meditative movement, such as yoga and tai chi, with a drop of 9.58 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure.
- Mindfulness, with a drop of 9.90 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure.
- Music, with a drop of 6.61 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure.
- Progressive muscle relaxation, with a drop of 7.46 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure.
- Psychotherapy, with a reduction of 9.83 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure.
- Combined techniques, with a drop of 6.78 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure.
Long-Term Effects Uncertain
However, there was no statistical evidence of effectiveness for any technique after 3 to 12 months. The certainty of the evidence was very low, particularly for biofeedback, yoga/tai chi, and progressive muscle relaxation.
| Timeframe | Technique | Effect on Systolic Blood Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| 3-12 months | No effect | Very low certainty |
| 12 months or more | Autogenic training | Low certainty |
Limited Data on Elevated Blood Pressure
Very few studies included long-term follow-up of 12 months or more. The analysis of limited data showed that compared with no treatment, autogenic training might lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, the certainty of the evidence was low.
The Future of Relaxation Techniques in High Blood Pressure Management
While the results of the pooled data analysis suggest that relaxation or stress management techniques might result in meaningful reductions in blood pressure at up to three months of follow-up, the uncertainty surrounding the results is significant. The risk of bias in the primary studies, publication bias in this area, and imprecision in the effect estimates mean that the observed changes in blood pressure might be too small to affect cardiovascular or cerebrovascular outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while relaxation techniques have shown promise in reducing blood pressure in the short term, the longer-term effects are unclear. Further, more rigorously designed and longer studies are needed to confirm whether these techniques have a constructive role in the treatment of high blood pressure. As such, interventions that are used for a brief period or provide only short-term benefits are unlikely to be clinically useful. Future studies must clearly report adherence to relaxation methods and other factors that might influence the effectiveness of these techniques.
