Transcendental Meditation for High Blood Pressure
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether Transcendental Meditation (TM) can lower the risk of high blood pressure in postmenopausal women experiencing mild stress. Participants will either practice TM or join a health education program focused on menopause and heart health. Suitable candidates for this trial have slightly elevated blood pressure, experience mild stress, have not had a period in over a year, and do not meditate regularly. The study aims to determine if TM can serve as a non-drug option for preventing high blood pressure in these women. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore a natural approach to managing heart health.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are currently using mood stabilizers or antipsychotics.
What prior data suggests that Transcendental Meditation is safe for women at high risk for hypertension?
Research shows that Transcendental Meditation (TM) is generally safe for most people. Studies have found that TM can help lower blood pressure and reduce stress, both of which benefit heart health. For instance, one study discovered that TM decreased the top number in a blood pressure reading by about 4.7 and the bottom number by 3.2. These results suggest that TM can be a useful and safe way to manage blood pressure and enhance overall well-being. No major reports of negative effects have emerged, making TM a well-tolerated practice for those wanting to lower their risk of high blood pressure.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the use of Transcendental Meditation (TM) for high blood pressure because it offers a non-drug approach to managing this condition. Unlike standard medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics, which can come with side effects, TM focuses on reducing stress through a simple meditation technique. This method involves structured instruction and regular practice, aiming to naturally lower blood pressure by promoting relaxation and improving overall well-being. By addressing stress—a common contributor to high blood pressure—TM could provide a complementary or alternative option for those seeking a holistic approach to heart health.
What evidence suggests that Transcendental Meditation might be an effective treatment for high blood pressure?
Research has shown that Transcendental Meditation (TM), which participants in this trial may receive, can help lower blood pressure. In one study, people who practiced TM regularly saw their top blood pressure number drop by about 4.7 points and their bottom number by about 3.2 points. Another study found that TM improved blood pressure in people with heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends TM as a safe way to lower blood pressure. These findings suggest that TM might be useful for managing blood pressure, especially for those at risk of high blood pressure.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Edward R Schwartz, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Miami
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
The WHAM trial is for post-menopausal women aged 50-80, experiencing mild stress and slightly high blood pressure. Participants must be working at least part-time, able to consent, understand English, and commit to the study duration. Those with severe health conditions or unable to follow procedures are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either a 12-week Transcendental Meditation (TM) program or a Women's Health Education (WHE) program
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Transcendental Meditation (TM)
Trial Overview
This study tests if Transcendental Meditation (TM) can improve risk factors for hypertension in post-menopausal women compared to a control group receiving Women's Health Education (WHE). It's a 12-week intervention aiming to show non-drug methods like TM can prevent high blood pressure.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants receive a standardized Transcendental Meditation (TM) program delivered over 12 weeks by a certified instructor, including orientation, structured instruction, follow-up seminars, and daily home practice.
Participants receive a structured health education program over 12 weeks focused on menopause and cardiovascular health, delivered via Zoom and WhatsApp using evidence-based materials.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Miami
Lead Sponsor
Citations
A Randomized Controlled Trial on Effects of the ...
This trial assessed the effects of a mind–body intervention on blood pressure (BP), psychological distress, and coping in college students.
Blood Pressure Response to Transcendental Meditation
The regular practice of Transcendental Meditation may have the potential to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure by ∼4.7 and 3.2 mm Hg, respectively.
Transcendental meditation for lowering blood pressure
Transcendental meditation (TM), a stress reduction technique, has the capacity to safely lower blood pressure (BP). •. The American Heart Association recommends ...
National Institutes of Health
This 16-week, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 103 coronary heart patients found Transcendental Meditation improved blood pressure and insulin ...
Transcendental Meditation in the prevention and treatment of ...
In a RCT on 35 adolescents with high normal blood pressure, the TM practitioners exhibited greater decreases in systolic blood pressure, heart rate and ...
Impact of Transcendental Meditation® on cardiovascular ...
Recent clinical trials found that TM lowered clinic BP, and reduced the risk of heart disease, carotid atherosclerosis, and mortality in hypertensive AA adults ...
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healthcare-bulletin.co.uk
healthcare-bulletin.co.uk/article/meditation-induced-changes-in-blood-pressure-and-brain-function-via-electroencephalography-3449/Meditation-Induced Changes in Blood Pressure and Brain ...
(2007) reported that Transcendental Meditation could reduce systolic blood pressure by approximately 4.7 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 3.2 mmHg ...
The promising role of Transcendental Meditation in ...
Evidence shows that TM is effective in reducing blood pressure (BP). We found some evidence that TM can improve insulin resistance.
Stress Reduction in the Secondary Prevention of ...
Stress reduction with the Transcendental Meditation program has previously been shown to beneficially affect cardiovascular risk factors, eg, hypertension, ...
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