Resumo

MORENO B, Mónica et al. Effects of a cognitive-behavioral intervention on blood pressure of hypertensive elderly subjects. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2006, vol.134, n.4, pp. 433-440. ISSN 0034-9887.  doi: 10.4067/S0034-98872006000400005.

Background: Cognitive and behavior therapy can be used as an adjunct to medications to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Aim: To design a brief psychological intervention for hypertensive patients and assess its effects on blood pressure. Material and methods: Thirty eight hypertensive subjects (35 women, age range 63-77 years) were studied. They were randomly divided in a control and experimental group. The latter group attended eight sessions of a cognitive-behavioral intervention, lasting two hours each, during one month. In each session, subjects were trained in relaxation techniques, cognitive modeling and psycho education. The main outcome assessed was a change in blood pressure levels. Results: In the experimental group, there was a significant reduction from baseline to the second post test assessment, in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels from 134±9 to 123±8 mmHg and from 87±5 to 73±6 mmHg, respectively. Conclusions: The psychological intervention used in the present study achieved significant reductions in blood pressure levels in this group of hypertensive subjects

Palavras-chave : Behavioral medicine; Hypertension; Psychological techniques.