NONPHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF COMORBID ANXIETY AND HYPERTENSION

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Hypertension and anxiety are two problems that many older adults face and that have significant health-related consequences. Over 60% of older adults have hypertension and up to 40% experience symptoms of anxiety. Hypertension and anxiety are frequently comorbid conditions. Although pharmacological treatments have demonstrated efficacy in reducing blood pressure, there is still a large population whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled. Similarly, among older adults, mental health problems, including anxiety, frequently go undetected and untreated, resulting in poorer quality of life. However, no one has examined the efficacy of a treatment for comorbid hypertension and anxiety. Thus, the purpose of this proposal is to test an adjuvant nonpharmacological intervention for the combined reduction of blood pressure and anxiety symptoms. The intervention consists of ResPerate, a device that regulates breathing by prolonging exhalation. Thirty two older adults (greater than or equal to 65 years) with mild stage 1 uncontrolled hypertension (SBP 140-159 mm Hg) and symptoms of anxiety will be randomized into one of two conditions: nonpharmacological treatment group (ResPerate) and control group. The results of this study will be used to conduct a larger trial of nonpharmacological interventions for comorbid anxiety and hypertension.