Specific Transcriptome Changes Associated with Blood Pressure Reduction in Hypertensive Patients After Relaxation Response Training.

Objective: Mind-body practices that elicit the relaxation response (RR) have been demonstrated to reduce blood pressure (BP) in essential hypertension (HTN) and may be an adjunct to antihypertensive drug therapy. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the RR reduces BP remain undefined.

Design: Genomic determinants associated with responsiveness to an 8-week RR-based mind-body intervention for lowering HTN in 13 stage 1 hypertensive patients classified as BP responders and 11 as nonresponders were identified.

Effect of acute posttrauma propranolol on PTSD outcome and physiological responses during script-driven imagery.

Introduction: Animal and human research suggests that the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may involve the overconsolidation of memories of a traumatic experience. Previous studies have attempted to use pharmaceutical agents, especially the β-adrenergic blocker propranolol, to reduce this overconsolidation.

Aims: In this randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of propranolol in reducing the development of PTSD, we optimized dosages and conducted both psychophysiological and clinical assessments 1 and 3 months after the traumatic event.

Stress management versus lifestyle modification on systolic hypertension and medication elimination: a randomized trial.

Isolated systolic hypertension is common in the elderly, but decreasing systolic blood pressure (SBP) without lowering diastolic blood pressure (DBP) remains a therapeutic challenge. Although stress management training, in particular eliciting the relaxation response, reduces essential hypertension its efficacy in treating isolated systolic hypertension has not been evaluated. We conducted a double-blind, randomized trial comparing 8 weeks of stress management, specifically relaxation response training (61 patients), versus lifestyle modification (control, 61 patients).

Stop Hypertension with the Acupuncture Research Program (SHARP): results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Case studies and small trials suggest that acupuncture may effectively treat hypertension, but no large randomized trials have been reported. The Stop Hypertension with the Acupuncture Research Program pilot trial enrolled 192 participants with untreated blood pressure (BP) in the range of 140/90 to 179/109 mm Hg. The design of the trial combined rigorous methodology and adherence to principles of traditional Chinese medicine.

An open-label study of the tolerability of mixed amphetamine salts in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and treated primary essential hypertension.

Objective: To evaluate the short-term tolerability of an extended-release preparation of the stimulant medication mixed amphetamine salts (MAS XR) in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) whose hypertension has been successfully treated with antihypertensive medications.

Method: An 8-week, 2-phase, open-label study design was implemented. All adults had ADHD (DSM-IV diagnosis) and essential hypertension and were required to be normotensive (blood pressure < 135/85 mm Hg, treated) for at least 4 weeks at entry into the study.

Stop Hypertension with the Acupuncture Research Program (SHARP): clinical trial design and screening results.

Hypertension is a major public health problem with serious medical and financial consequences. Barriers to successful conventional pharmacological treatment include side effects, out-of-pocket expenses, patient noncompliance and insufficient dosages. Acupuncture has been studied as an alternative therapy for controlling blood pressure (BP) but previous studies have serious methodological limitations.

Effects of nabumetone, celecoxib, and ibuprofen on blood pressure control in hypertensive patients on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs interfere with certain antihypertensive therapies. In a double-blind study, 385 hypertensive patients stabilized on an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor were treated with nabumetone, celecoxib, ibuprofen, or placebo for 4 weeks. Ibuprofen caused significantly greater increases in systolic (P < .

Pilot study of secondary prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder with propranolol.

Background: Preclinical considerations suggest that treatment with a beta-adrenergic blocker following an acute psychologically traumatic event may reduce subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This pilot study addressed this hypothesis.

Methods: Patients were randomized to begin, within 6 hours of the event, a 10-day course of double-blind propranolol (n = 18) versus placebo (n = 23) 40 mg four times daily.