Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by 6.320 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 4.091 mm Hg in adults.
Meta-Analysis (n=2,002)
Do mindfulness-based interventions reduce blood pressure in adults?
Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults, suggesting utility as a complementary treatment.
Effect estimate: SBP -6.320 mm Hg, DBP -4.091 mm Hg
Objective: In this study, our aim was to examine the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on blood pressure in adults, with additional exploration of study characteristics, methodological factors, intervention types, and participant demographics as potential moderators of the effect sizes. Methods: We systematically searched 10 electronic databases for eligible studies from inception to February 2025. We reviewed studies on blood pressure outcomes for adults receiving mindfulness-based intervention based on Buddhist teaching. We only reviewed randomized controlled trials written in English. A random-effects model was used to compute the effect size. We used Funnel plot, Q statistics, and I 2 to test the heterogeneity across studies. Also, we examined moderators to explore sources of heterogeneity. Results: Across 21 studies providing 23 between group comparisons (N = 2002), 1045 in mindfulness-based intervention group, and 957 in control groups. Thirty-eight percent of participants were females. Mean age ranged from 20.26 to 72.86 years, with a total mean ( SD ) age across studies of 50.86 (13.40) years. Overall, mindfulness-based interventions had a large effect on the reduction in systolic blood pressure by −6.320 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by −4.091 mm Hg. Funding, intention-to-treat, fidelity of intervention, health condition, and settings were moderators affecting effect sizes. No primary studies reported the adverse effects. Conclusion: Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduced blood pressure in adults. Clinicians and health professionals might consider using mindfulness-based interventions as an alternative complementary treatment for controlling blood pressure.
Reangsing et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Blood pressure (n=2,002). Mindfulness-based interventions vs. Control was evaluated on Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP -6.320 mm Hg, DBP -4.091 mm Hg). Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by 6.320 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 4.091 mm Hg in adults.