Effect of mindfulness-based interventions on people with prehypertension or hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing blood pressure and improving mental health outcomes in individuals with hypertension or prehypertension.
Results Summary
The study found significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as improvements in anxiety, depression, and perceived stress following mindfulness-based interventions. Subgroup analyses indicated greater benefits for participants with higher baseline blood pressure.
Population
Individuals with hypertension or prehypertension (N=715 across 12 studies).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (intervention duration was 6-8 weeks).
Duration
6-8 weeks (10 trials used 8 weeks, 1 trial used 6 weeks).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | systolic blood pressure | - | MD = -9.12, 95% CI [-12.18, -6.05] | reductions in | #1 |
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | diastolic blood pressure | - | MD = -5.66, 95% CI [-8.88, -2.43] | reductions in | #2 |
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | anxiety | - | SMD = -4.10; 95% CI [-6.49, -1.71] | reductions in | #3 |
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | depression | - | SMD = -1.70, 95%CI [-2.95, -0.44] | reductions in | #4 |
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | perceived stress | - | SMD = -5.91, 95%CI [-8.74, -3.09] | reductions in | #5 |
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | BP reduction | participants regardless of gender and baseline blood pressure | - | favorable for | #6 |
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | BP reduction | participants with higher pre-intervention blood pressure | - | more profound effect observed in | #7 |
BACKGROUND: Hypertension and prehypertension have been widely recognized as the main contributors of global mortality. Evidence shows mindfulness-based interventions may reduce blood pressure and improve mental health. However, the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on blood pressure and mental health has not been fully understood. METHODS: Potential studies published before May 24th 2023 were identified by searching Embase, Ovid Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and VIP China Science. Additionally, two grey databases were searched: Mednar, WorldWideScience.org. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment tool. The random-effects meta-analyses were conducted using Review Man 5.4 software and the key outcomes are presented as mean difference or standard mean difference and the 95% confidential interval. RESULTS: Searches returned 802 studies in total, of which 12 were included (N = 715). The duration of interventions was 8 weeks in 10 trials and 6 weeks in one trial. Pooled effect sizes indicated reductions in systolic blood pressure (MD = - 9.12, 95% CI [- 12.18, - 6.05], p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (MD = - 5.66, 95% CI [- 8.88, - 2.43], p < 0.001), anxiety (SMD = - 4.10; 95% CI [- 6.49, - 1.71], p < 0.001), depression (SMD = - 1.70, 95%CI [- 2.95, - 0.44], p < 0.001) and perceived stress (SMD = - 5.91, 95%CI [- 8.74, - 3.09], p < 0.001) at post-intervention. The findings from subgroup analyses are favorable for mindfulness-based interventions regardless of gender and baseline blood pressure with regard to BP reduction, with a more profound effect observed in participants with higher pre-intervention blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide evidence for the positive role of mindfulness-based interventions in hypertension management. More large randomized control trials with sufficient statistical power and long-term follow-up are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol had been registered with Prospero on October 2nd 2021 (registration NO. CRD42021282504 ).