Page 55 - Demo

53Reducing stress reduces stress-related disease, including high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease, which is the world%u2019s No. 1 killer. According to research, high blood pressure is almost entirely preventable. This comprehensive meta-analysis of published, high-quality randomized controlled trials found that the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique was the only stress-reduction program that signifi cantly reduced blood pressure in hypertensive patients.The 2013 and 2025 American Heart Association (AHA) scientifi c review of alternative treatments for high blood pressure concluded that TM is recommended for consideration in treatment plans for all individuals with blood pressure > 120/80 mm Hg. The AHA scientifi c statement also reported that lower blood pressure through TM practice is associated with substantially reduced rates of death, heart attack, and stroke.In 2013, the AHA said, %u201c%u2026The evidence to date supports using TM practice to help reduce high blood pressure. Other meditations do not show as strong an effect on reducing hypertension%u2026. %u201d In 2025, the AHA said, %u201cIn adults with or without hypertension, stress reduction through Transcendental Meditation may ... [help] prevent or treat elevated BP and hypertension....%u201d107 Studies, 17 RCTs analyzed, N=960Meta-Analysis: Decreased Blood PressureTM compared to other techniquesChange in Systolic Blood Pressure543210-1-2-3-4-5TranscendentalMeditationMuscleRelaxationStressManagementBioFeedbackCombinedTreatmentp < .001 NS NS NS NStm-027HEALTHIER BLOOD PRESSUREReferences: Rainforth, M. V., Schneider, R. H., Nidich, S. I., Gaylord-King, C., Salerno, J. W., & Anderson, J. W. (2007). Stress reduction programs in patients with elevated blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Current Hypertension Reports, 9(6), 520%u2013528. Brook, R. D., et al (2013). Beyond medications and diet: Alternative approaches to lowering blood pressure%u2014A scientifi c statement from the American Heart Association. Hypertension, 61(6), 1360%u20131383. Jones, D. W., et al (2025). AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension,published online: 2025-08-14.