Hypertension and biofeedback

Essential hypertension, a widespread health problem, is commonly treated with palliative medications. Pessimism in the medical community about behavioral treatments including biofeedback derives from early evaluations of interventions using relatively weak interventions. Current relations-based interventions using self-regulation of autonomic indices are demonstrating greater efficacy than early work with direct blood pressure biofeedback or with muscle biofeedback. Treatments may be appropriate both in early hypertension and in instances of more advanced disease process. Current national policy stipulates that, after hypertension is controlled by medication for 1 year, medications should be gradually withdrawn and an attempt made to control blood pressure through nonpharmacologic means.