The Web site of the US National Heart Lung and Blood Institute provides background on high blood pressure and other cardiovascular information. In a preliminary study, Transcendental Meditation reduced clogged arteries, lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. According to the Centers for Disease Control, African Americans have twice the rate of hypertension than Caucasians in the US and are four times more likely to die from stroke. Overall, more than 43 million Americans suffer from high blood pressure. A preliminary study of sixty African Americans by the National Institutes of Health find that one form of meditation can reduce atherosclerosis or clogged arteries.
Atherosclerosis usually indicates hypertension or high blood pressure.
The results of the study are reported in the March 2000 issue of Stroke magazine, a journal of the American Heart Association. The study builds on previous studies showing Transcendental Meditation lowered high blood pressure among elderly African Americans with mild hypertension. The study is based on the presumption that psychological stress influences the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Transcendental Meditation has been shown to be an effective relaxation technique. Based on ancient meditative practice from India, Transcendental Meditation was brought to the United States 40 years ago by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.