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Mindfulness interventions reduce blood pressure in patients with non-communicable diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 RCTs in adults with non-communicable diseases: mindfulness-based stress reduction for 8 weeks pooled to −6.90 mmHg systolic and −2.45 mmHg diastolic blood pressure versus control in stratified models.

Design

  • Systematic review + meta-analysis; 14 eligible trials (2009–2019 database window in abstract)
  • Population: adults with non-communicable diseases (mixed cardiometabolic / chronic conditions)
  • Stratification: intervention type and duration (MBSR, breathing awareness meditation, generic mindfulness-based interventions)

Blood pressure (abstract-reported pooled contrasts)

  • MBSR 8 weeks: SBP −6.90 mmHg (95% CI −10.82 to −2.97; P < .05); DBP −2.45 mmHg (95% CI −3.74 to −1.17; P < .05)
  • Breathing awareness meditation 12 weeks: SBP −4.10 mmHg (95% CI −7.54 to −0.66; P < .05)
  • Mindfulness-based intervention 8 weeks: SBP −2.69 mmHg (95% CI −3.90 to −1.49; P < .05); DBP −2.24 mmHg (95% CI −3.22 to −1.26; P < .05)

Evidence hygiene

Heterogeneous NCD mixes and office BP measurement—pair with hypertension-specific RCTs when advising individuals on medication decisions.

Publication

Intarakamhang U, Macaskill A, Prasittichok P, et al. Heliyon. 2020 Apr 18;6(4):e03709. PMID 32373739; PMC7168160.

Outcomes

  • Systolic Blood Pressure
    -6.9
    mmHg (Millimetres of Mercury)
  • Diastolic Blood Pressure
    -2.45
    mmHg (Millimetres of Mercury)
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