hypertension, psychological intervention, nonfarmacological therapy, quality of life

Introduction: Arterial hypertension is a major global cardiovascular risk factor and is closely associated with psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. In addition to pharmacological treatment and lifestyle modification, psychological interventions have been increasingly recognized as a relevant component of comprehensive hypertension management. Aim: The aim of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions on blood pressure values and selected psychological outcomes in adult patients with arterial hypertension. Methods: Randomized controlled trials published between 2015 and 2025 were identified through searches of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. Included studies evaluated cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, stress management programs, and relaxation techniques. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: A total of 17 randomized controlled trials were included. Most studies reported a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, particularly in interventions based on cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Cognitive behavioral therapy demonstrated the most robust long-term effects on blood pressure control, treatment adherence, and health-related quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions were consistently associated with reductions in perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as favorable changes in inflammatory biomarkers. Relaxation techniques produced rapid physiological effects, which were most pronounced when combined with cognitive-behavioral approaches. Conclusion: Psychological interventions represent an effective and clinically relevant adjunct to standard hypertension treatment. Their targeted integration into routine care may improve blood pressure control, psychological well-being, adherence to treatment, and overall quality of life in patients with arterial hypertension.

Introduction: Arterial hypertension is a major global cardiovascular risk factor and is closely associated with psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. In addition to pharmacological treatment and lifestyle modification, psychological interventions have been increasingly recognized as a relevant component of comprehensive hypertension management. Aim: The aim of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions on blood pressure values and selected psychological outcomes in adult patients with arterial hypertension. Methods: Randomized controlled trials published between 2015 and 2025 were identified through searches of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. Included studies evaluated cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, stress management programs, and relaxation techniques. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: A total of 17 randomized controlled trials were included. Most studies reported a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, particularly in interventions based on cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Cognitive behavioral therapy demonstrated the most robust long-term effects on blood pressure control, treatment adherence, and health-related quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions were consistently associated with reductions in perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as favorable changes in inflammatory biomarkers. Relaxation techniques produced rapid physiological effects, which were most pronounced when combined with cognitive-behavioral approaches. Conclusion: Psychological interventions represent an effective and clinically relevant adjunct to standard hypertension treatment. Their targeted integration into routine care may improve blood pressure control, psychological well-being, adherence to treatment, and overall quality of life in patients with arterial hypertension.