[Essential hypertension and stress. When do yoga, psychotherapy and autogenic training help?][Article in German]

Author: Herrmann JM
Affiliation: Reha-Klinik Glotterbad, Gehrenstrasse 10, D-79286 Glottertal. j.m.herrmann@rehaklinik-glotterbad.de
Conference/Journal: MMW Fortschr Med
Date published: 2002
Other: Volume ID: 144 , Issue ID: 19 , Pages: 38-41 , Word Count: 75


Psychosocial factors play an important role in the development and course of essential hypertension, although 'stress' can account for only 10% of blood pressure variance. A variety of psychotherapeutic interventions, such as relaxation techniques (autogenic training or progressive muscular relaxation), behavioral therapy or biofeedback techniques, can lower elevated blood pressure by an average of 10 mmHg (systolic) and 5 mmHg (diastolic). As a 'secondary effect', such measures may also prompt the hypertensive to adopt a more health-conscious lifestyle.