The behavioral control of high blood pressure

Stress management and relaxation training lower the blood pressure of many mild hypertensives substantially through mechanisms that are as yet unclear but may include behavioral and cognitive change. It is almost certain that the reduction of weight in the obese, drinking in heavy drinkers, and increased exercise in the sedentary also reduces pressure usefully in hypertensives, and opportunites exist for the application of behavioral principles to improve the effectiveness of programs to alter these behavioral risk factors. It is fortunate that behavioral methods for the control of hypertension exist and are making progress since there are increasing doubts about the effectiveness of pharmacological solutions for mild hypertension. Notice to Readers: This is the second in a three-part series on Health Psychology. Part I appeared in the Spring ’87 issue (vol. 6, no. 1); copies may be purchased ($15 individuals, $20 institutions) by sending a check, moneyorder, or charge card number (MasterCard, Visa, American Express; include expiration date and signature) to: Current Psychological Research & Reviews, Transaction Periodicals Consortium, Dept. 4010, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. The author was supported by the Medical Research Council during the writing of this paper.