Evaluation of the effect of relaxation therapy in patients with arterial hypertension

Abstract Objectives To evaluate whether the application of a relaxation therapy reduces the blood pressure in hypertensive patients and whether there is improvement in several parameters which can influence blood pressure such as anxiety, quality of life and sleep. Methods A quasi-experimental study (measures before-after) was performed in 25 Primary Care patients with hypertension poorly controlled by pharmacological treatment. The intervention consisted of relaxation therapy composed of 3 techniques: passive relaxation of Schwartz–Haynes, diaphragmatic breathing and imaginary visualisation. A total of 14 group sessions of 30 min each (2/week) were conducted. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were taken at the beginning and end of the relaxation programme implemented and after each of the programme sessions. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality, Quality of Life Hypertension, State-Trait Anxiety and Perceived Stress questionnaires were used to measure psychosocial parameters. Results After intervention, a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg ( p p p p p  = .004) were significantly improved. Conclusions Relaxation therapy had positive effects in improving blood pressure parameters, as well as the other factors evaluated. In our opinion, such strategies should be evaluated more thoroughly to consider their inclusion in Primary Care.