Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction

An evidence-based, innovative approach for managing and reducing elevated blood pressure, and enhancing cardiovascular wellness.

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Explore the benefits and risks of mindfulness practice.

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Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction

An evidence-based, innovative approach for managing and reducing elevated blood pressure, and enhancing cardiovascular wellness.

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Take the first step toward better heart health.

High blood pressure, a major cause of cardiovascular disease, is the leading risk factor for early death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

The Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction (MB-BP) program, adapted from MBSR by Brown University cardiovascular health expert and mindfulness researcher, Eric Loucks Ph.D., is a clinically tested approach to reduce high blood pressure and improve other risk factors such as stress, poor diet and inactivity.

Program Snapshot

This program offers mindfulness training, education on hypertension and heart health, mindful movements and support for reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

8 Weeks

+ Orientation

See program schedule above

Online

Live, synchronous

2.5 hours per week with one all-day session

$ 650

Tuition

MB-BP IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, AND SHOULD NOT BE USED AS, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE OR A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT BY A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL, SUCH AS A CARDIOLOGIST OR PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER. Rather, MB-BP is designed to be complementary and integrative with evidence-based medical care. For this reason, MB-BP is best delivered under the consultation of, and partnership with, your healthcare provider. While clinical trials have shown evidence that MB-BP reduces blood pressure on average, individual results are not guaranteed. You should consult with a healthcare provider to see if MB-BP may be right for you.

MB-BP is not provided in the course of a professional relationship between a healthcare provider and a patient. The Mindfulness Center is not recommending a course of treatment for your particular circumstances or making a diagnosis through the use of MB-BP. The Mindfulness Center’s faculty and staff are not physical or mental healthcare providers and cannot diagnose or treat physical or mental health conditions. Do not disregard or delay in seeking medical advice or treatment because of any information you receive through MB-BP. Your healthcare provider should be consulted regarding matters concerning medical conditions, treatment, and needs of you and your family.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

  • Learn and develop evidence-based mindfulness meditation skills and practices, such as the body scan, focused attention, walking meditation, mindful eating and mindful movements
  • Understand the risk factors of high blood pressure (stress, diet, physical activity) as well as its effects on health and mortality
  • Explore cravings and their management, and how behaviors like overeating, inactivity, alcohol consumption and medication adherence can lead to high blood pressure
  • Enhance awareness of thoughts, emotions and physical sensations surrounding your relationship to hypertension risk factors
  • Adopt processes for self-care

A heart-focused mindfulness program

The Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction program improves health behaviors that lower blood pressure.

Read the study

Who Will Benefit?

The MB-BP program is designed for:

  • Individuals with systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg or higher, or diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or higher (i.e. elevated blood pressure or hypertension)
  • Health-conscious individuals eager to address behavioral risk factors for poor cardiovascular health (stress, diet, physical activity, alcohol intake, medication adherence, etc.)
  • Qualified or certified MBSR teachers looking to take a mindfulness adaptation that focuses on physical health outcomes

"The program gives participants the tools to make heart-healthy diet changes that can lower their blood pressure and decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease."

Eric Loucks Ph.D. Director of the Mindfulness Center at Brown and Associate Professor
 
photo of Eric Loucks

What Participants are Saying

“ Since the mindfulness course, people close to me notice that I recover from stressful situations much faster. I’ve had doctor appointments where my blood pressure was much lower and very close to my target, which hadn’t happened since my hypertension diagnosis many years ago. ”

Liz McKenna MB-BP Participant

Research in the News

American Heart Association Newsroom

Mindfulness shows promise as an effective intervention to lower blood pressure

A customized mindfulness program that taught participants to apply those skills to have healthy relationships with their diet, physical activity, alcohol use, medication adherence and stress, led to notably lower systolic (top number) blood pressure measures six months after participating in the mindfulness program, according to late-breaking science presented today at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2022.
The New York Times Magazine

Can Mindfulness Evolve From Wellness Pursuit to Medical Treatment?

Despite affecting many US adults and posing risks for heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure remains inadequately managed, with only about half of those affected maintaining control. Eric Loucks Ph.D. and colleagues at Brown University proposed an eight-week mindfulness-based program, demonstrating promising results in lowering blood pressure.

Mindfulness Disclosure

Explore the benefits and risks of mindfulness practice.

Take The Next Step