The heart-healthy eating plan called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) can help to reduce hypertension or high blood pressure, and lead to other heart-protecting changes. However, adherence to the diet had been low.
Researchers therefore developed a training program to teach mindfulness skills (yoga, meditation, and self-awareness), and promote following the DASH diet, physical activity, and taking blood pressure medicines. In all, 201 participants with high blood pressure were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Half were assigned to the enhanced usual care control group; they received a blood pressure monitor, training for using it, brochures about hypertension control, and doctor referrals as needed. The other half were assigned to the mindfulness group. They received a blood pressure monitor, training for using it, personalized feedback, and mindfulness training, and were asked to practice mindfulness exercises six days a week, for at least 45 minutes per day. They also attended group training sessions, including a daylong retreat and weekly 2.5-hour classes.
Those in the mindfulness group showed improved self-awareness, a significant reduction in blood pressure (4.5 mm Hg) and a 0.32-point boost (in a 0-11 range) to their DASH diet scores. |
