Hypertension Literature Review physiological changes

A stress-hypertension relationship has a significant history. In 1930s the effect of stress on physiological changes has been studied by Cannon. His investigation of the blood hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine indicated that if stress went beyond the limits of a critical threshold, the body could be stained beyond its flexible limits. Moreover, it has been revealed that during long-term stimulation caused by stress, epinephrine and cortisone are both produced in excess which leads to hypertension. Since a direct correlation between stress and hypertension was revealed, researchers started to think over stress management as treatment for hypertension. A preliminary overview of observable literature concerning the use of stress management as a means to control hypertension shows a wide variation in the use of the method. Although it has not been proved that hypertension can be prevented by stress management, there is sufficient evidence that blood pressure in hypertensive patients can be reduced with the help of stress management. In addition, it has been revealed that such single-component stress management techniques as meditation and relaxation, are effective in some patients. Old African American patients practicing transcendental mediation were reported to have had a significant reduction in blood pressure.