Stress/Emotion Management for High Blood Pressure
(OUR-Project Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to help Black women manage stress and emotions to improve self-care for high blood pressure (hypertension) during the Covid-19 pandemic. It uses a web-based program called eCo-CHIN, which includes group sessions on topics like anxiety reduction, healthy habits, and social connection. The trial targets Black women diagnosed with high blood pressure who have internet access via a smartphone or computer. Participants will learn techniques to enhance resilience and manage stress in challenging times.
As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills for managing hypertension and stress.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems likely that you can continue your current treatment, as the trial focuses on stress and emotion management rather than medication changes.
What prior data suggests that this stress and emotion management intervention is safe for Black women with hypertension?
Research shows that managing stress and emotions can positively affect blood pressure. Studies have found that stress can cause temporary increases in blood pressure. By reducing stress, individuals might improve heart health and lower blood pressure.
The treatment under consideration focuses on managing stress and emotions. It includes activities like planning, challenging negative thoughts, and practicing gratitude. These activities are generally safe and have not been linked to harmful effects. They aim to help individuals handle stress better.
While specific data on negative effects for this approach is lacking, stress management techniques are usually well-tolerated. They are often recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle to support both mental and physical well-being.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about stress and emotion management for high blood pressure because it offers a novel, holistic approach that extends beyond medication. Unlike traditional treatments like antihypertensive drugs, this method empowers individuals to manage their blood pressure through lifestyle changes and emotional resilience. Delivered via Zoom in a group format, it focuses on practical skills such as gratitude practices, social connection improvement, and anxiety reduction techniques. This approach not only targets blood pressure but also enhances overall well-being, making it a promising alternative or complement to existing therapies.
What evidence suggests that this stress and emotion management intervention is effective for managing high blood pressure?
Research has shown that managing stress and emotions can help lower high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. In this trial, participants will engage in stress and emotion management sessions, which studies have shown to reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. One study discovered that high demands linked to stress can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, stress reduction programs, such as Transcendental Meditation, have significantly decreased blood pressure. Managing stress is crucial for controlling high blood pressure, which is essential for maintaining health.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kathy D Wright, PhD, RN
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Black/African American women who have high blood pressure, can speak English, and have access to a smartphone or computer with internet. It's not for those with resistant hypertension (blood pressure too high despite using three different meds including a diuretic) or without internet access.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Four weekly sessions delivered in a group format via Zoom teleconference, focusing on stress and emotion management.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in blood pressure, stress, and other health metrics.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Stress and emotion management
Trial Overview
The study tests an online stress and emotion management program called eCo-CHIN, designed specifically for Black women managing hypertension during the Covid-19 pandemic. It includes sessions on resilience and self-care in times of social distancing.
How Is the Trial Designed?
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Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Four weekly sessions delivered in a group format via Zoom teleconference. The following topics are listed in the workbook: Planning Your Information Diet; My Spheres of Influence Worksheet; Practical Wisdom for Tolerating Uncertainty; Reducing Anxiety With Thought Challenging; Reducing Anxiety Through Distraction Activities; Starting a Planning Practice; Starting a Daily Gratitude Practice; Starting a Daily Breathing Practice; Improving the Quality of Your Social Connections; Developing a Regular Exercise Routine; and Creating Your Stress-Resilience Action Plan. Each session will begin with a 15-30 minute check in on what went well, challenges, and Coronavirus Anxiety workbook. The Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook topics are complementary and the sessions will tie together the themes of comprehensive stress and emotional management through blood pressure knowledge/self-monitoring, diet, interpersonal communication skills building, and sleep hygiene.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ohio State University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Effectiveness of stress management and relaxation ...
To assess whether relaxation and stress management techniques are useful in reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension and prehypertension.
A large-scale study of stress, emotions, and blood pressure ...
We show that momentary stress, conceptualized as the perception of demands relative to resources, is associated with greater BP and heart rate reactivity.
Associations between mental health, blood pressure and ...
We show that higher systolic blood pressure is associated with fewer depressive symptoms, greater well-being, and lower emotion-related brain activity.
Managing Stress to Control High Blood Pressure
Stress management is a life skill and a lifesaver. The relationship between stress and high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is still being studied.
Stress Reduction Programs in Patients with Elevated Blood ...
Available evidence indicates that among stress reduction approaches, the Transcendental Meditation program is associated with significant reductions in BP.
A large-scale study of stress, emotions, and blood pressure ...
We show that momentary stress, conceptualized as the perception of demands relative to resources, is associated with greater BP and heart rate reactivity.
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mayoclinic.org
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/stress-and-high-blood-pressure/art-20044190Stress and high blood pressure: What's the connection?
Stress can cause short-term spikes in blood pressure. Taking steps to reduce stress can improve your heart health.
Chronic Psychosocial Stress and Hypertension - PMC
High stress responsivity predicts later blood pressure only in combination with positive family history and high life stress. Hypertension. 1999;33:1458 ...
Examining Stress and Blood Pressure Responses to Close ...
Our goal in this work was to examine the links between relationship experiences and the proximal psychological and physiological processes that ...
Stress and Heart Health
Chronic stress may lead to high blood pressure, which can increase risk for heart attack and stroke. Can managing stress reduce or prevent ...
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