[Essential hypertension and stress. When do yoga, psychotherapy and autogenic training help?]

MMW Fortschr Med. 2002 May 9;144(19):38-41.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Psychosocial factors play an important role in the development and course of essential hypertension, although "stress" can account for only 10% of blood pressure variance. A variety of psychotherapeutic interventions, such as relaxation techniques (autogenic training or progressive muscular relaxation), behavioral therapy or biofeedback techniques, can lower elevated blood pressure by an average of 10 mmHg (systolic) and 5 mmHg (diastolic). As a "secondary effect", such measures may also prompt the hypertensive to adopt a more health-conscious lifestyle.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Arousal
  • Autogenic Training*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / psychology*
  • Hypertension / therapy
  • Psychotherapy*
  • Stress, Psychological / complications*
  • Yoga*