Stress/Emotion Management for High Blood Pressure

(OUR-Project Trial)

Overseen By Sandra Solove, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ohio State University

Disqualifiers: Resistant hypertension, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

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. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why 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. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

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

I have high blood pressure and am managing it with medication or lifestyle changes.

You consider yourself to be Black or African American.

English speaking

Exclusion Criteria

My high blood pressure isn't controlled despite taking three different blood pressure medicines, including a water pill.

No access to computer with internet or smart phone

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Four weekly sessions delivered in a group format via Zoom teleconference, focusing on stress and emotion management.

4 weeks

4 sessions (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in blood pressure, stress, and other health metrics.

3 months

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?

Group I: Stress and emotion Management for Black/African Americ Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

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.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

891

Recruited

2,659,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12164322/

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.

2. pnas.org pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2105573118

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.

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41467-023-37579-6

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.

4. heart.org heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-stress-to-control-high-blood-pressure

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.

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2268875/

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.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8346904/

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.

7. mayoclinic.org mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/stress-and-high-blood-pressure/art-20044190

Stress 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.

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3694268/

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 ...

9. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/19485506231156018

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 ...

10. heart.org heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/stress-and-heart-health

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 ...