Eight-Week Mindfulness and Positive Psychology Interventions May Lower Blood Pressure

A review of 18 randomized trials finds that mindfulness, gratitude, and optimism training can improve blood pressure, inflammation, and other heart-health markers within eight to 12 weeks, with the strongest gains when daily practice is reinforced by weekly sessions. For example, eight-week mindfulness programs helped blood-pressure and inflammatory markers in hypertension and post–acute coronary syndrome patients, while a 12-week digital intervention reduced cuff systolic blood pressure by 7.6 points and central systolic pressure by 4.1 points. The most consistent benefits come from high-frequency, supportive programs that encourage healthier behaviors, suggesting mental-wellbeing interventions could become a component of cardiovascular care.