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Adding the relaxation response, a stress-management approach, to other lifestyle interventions may significantly improve treatment of the type of hypertension most common in the elderly. Among participants in a study conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Hypertension Program and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at MGH, those who received relaxation response training in addition to advice on reducing lifestyle risk factors were more than twice as likely to successfully eliminate at least one blood pressure medication than were those receiving lifestyle counseling only. The study appears in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
"Nearly 80 million Americans are classified as having hypertension, and although we have many medications to lower blood pressure, only about a third of patients achieve adequate control of their pressures," says Randall Zusman, MD, co-senior author of the report who leads the Hypertension Program at the MGH Heart Center. "If a practice that takes only 15 to 20 minutes a day can help decrease patients’ dependence on antihypertensive medications - reducing often-unpleasant side effects and the considerable costs of these drugs - we could not only improve their quality of life but lower direct and indirect health costs by billions of dollars."
Among the elderly patients in whom it is most common, isolated systolic hypertension - an increase in only the peak arterial pressure - is more closely correlated with adverse events like heart attack, stroke or renal failure than is elevated diastolic pressure. Treating systolic hypertension is particularly challenging since older patients who take many medications are at greater risk for drug interactions and may be more vulnerable to other side effects.
The relaxation response is a physiologic state of deep rest - involving both physical and emotional responses to stress - that can be elicited by practices such as meditation, deep breathing and prayer. Herbert Benson, MD, director emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute and co-senior author of the current report, first described the relaxation response almost 35 years ago, and he and his colleagues have pioneered its use in mind/body medicine. While several studies have shown that the relaxation response can help alleviate hypertension involving elevated systolic and diastolic pressures, its usefulness in treating isolated systolic hypertension has not been investigated.
The present study enrolled more than 100 patients, aged 55 and older, whose systolic pressure remained elevated despite their taking two or more antihypertensive drugs. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group received weekly counseling sessions on cardiac risk factors, the impact of stress on hypertension, and recommendations on dietary and fitness goals. The treatment group attended sessions that also included instruction and practice eliciting the relaxation response. Both groups also received audiotapes to listen to daily - the control group with general lifestyle recommendations and the treatment group a guided relaxation response session.
Participants’ blood pressure was checked after eight weeks, and those whose pressures had dropped into the normal range - less than 140 systolic and 90 diastolic - were eligible to start reducing the dose of one of their medications. If blood pressures remained normal during subsequent weeks, dosage could be further reduced or eliminated; but participants whose hypertension returned resumed their previous dosage level. The physician conducting weekly evaluations did not know to which group participants belonged, and participants were told only that the study was evaluating different "stress management" programs.
By the end of the 20-week study period, participants in both groups had experienced a significant drop in systolic blood pressure, allowing two thirds of all participants to attempt medication reduction. Among relaxation response group participants, 32 percent maintained reduced systolic pressure after eliminating one or more medications, an accomplishment achieved by only 14 percent of those in the lifestyle-counseling group.
"The other nonpharmacological interventions that we know can reduce systolic blood pressure - reducing dietary sodium, weight loss, smoking cessation and increasing physical activity - can be very difficult for patients to achieve," says Jeffrey Dusek, PhD, the study’s lead author. "Our control group received an intensive amount of good-health information and reported making fairly dramatic lifestyle changes, but only the relaxation response group was able to significantly reduce their use of antihypertensive medications." Formerly with the Benson-Henry Institute, Dusek is now with the Institute for Health and Healing at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Zusman adds, "We are now going to look at the very large patient population currently termed pre-hypertensives - those whose blood pressure is elevated but does not yet meet the criteria for drug therapy. If we can train those patients to elicit the relaxation response, we may be able to delay or even avoid the onset of hypertension, improving their cardiovascular health, reducing dependence on medications and potentially reducing overall health care costs." Zusman is an associate professor of Medicine, and Benson is the Mind/Body Medical Institute Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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Additional co-authors of the report are Patricia Hibberd, MD, PhD, Bei-Hung Chang, ScD, Kathryn Dusek, Jennifer Johnston, MD, and Ann Wohlhueter of the Benson-Henry Institute, and Beverly Buczynski, RN, MGH Cardiology. The study was supported by grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. The Benson-Henry Institute has benefited from the interest and support of John Henry, principal owner of the Boston Red Sox.
generic viagra online buy Massachusetts General Hospital (), established in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The MGH conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, with an annual research budget of more than $500 million and major research centers in AIDS, cardiovascular research, cancer, computational and integrative biology, cutaneous biology, human genetics, medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, regenerative medicine, systems biology, transplantation biology and photomedicine.
Source: Sue McGreevey
Massachusetts General Hospital
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An article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine
reports that statins - medications that are usually prescribed to lower
blood cholesterol levels - may also lower blood pressure. Beatrice A.
Golomb, M.D., Ph.D., (University of California, San Diego, La Jolla)
and colleagues noted a modest but significant reduction in blood
pressure for patients taking statins.
Statins are a type of drug that inhibits an enzyme involved in the
synthesis of cholesterol, and thus leads to a decrease in blood
cholesterol levels. Previous research has found that blood pressure may
also be affected by statins, specifically for patients with high blood
pressure (hypertension). It has been hypothesized that statins trigger
compounds that make blood vessels wider, improving their
function.
To test the effect of statins on blood pressure, the researchers
conducted a randomized, double-blind trial with 973 participants who
did now have diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Over a period of six
months between 2000 and 2004, the researchers told 322 participants to
take 20 milligrams of the statin simvastatin, 323 participants to take
40 milligrams of the statin pravastatin, and 328 participants to take
placebo. The statin amounts were taken from usual doses from when they
are prescribed to lower cholesterol. At the beginning of the study, the
researchers took blood pressure measurements of each participant.
Additional measurements were taken after one and six months during the
treatment period, and also two months after ending treatment.
Blood pressure is conventionally reported using two numbers: systolic
(top number) over diastolic (bottom number). The researchers found that
individuals who took the statin had an average decrease of 2.2 mmHg in
systolic blood pressure and an average decrease of 2.4 mmHg in
diastolic pressure. The authors note that, "Blood pressure reductions
ranged from 2.4 to 2.8 milligrams
of mercury for both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood
pressure with both simvastatin and pravastatin, in those subjects with
full follow-up and without potential for influence by blood pressure
medications (i.e., neither receiving nor meriting blood pressure
medications)."
The authors, however, found that the effect of statins changed over
time. After one month of statin treatment, there was no noticeable
effect on blood pressure. But there was a significant effect after six
months of treatment, and the effect decreased two months after
finishing treatment.
"This study adds to our understanding of the effects of statins,
currently the best-selling prescription drugs in the world," conclude
the researchers. "The reduction in blood pressure seen with statins may
contribute - among other identified factors - to some of the ‘rapid’
cardiovascular benefits of statins, arising too swiftly to be explained
by effects of statins on plaque accumulation."
Reduction in Blood Pressure With Statins
Beatrice A. Golomb, MD, PhD; Joel E. Dimsdale, MD; Halbert L. White,
Buy generic cipro PhD; Janis B. Ritchie, BSN; Michael H. Criqui, MD, MPH
Archives of Internal Medicine (2008). 168[7]:
721 - 727.
Click
Here to View Abstract
Written by: Peter M Crosta
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
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The modern workplace is often blamed for increased rates of depression and stress. New research published in the journal Occupational Medicine, shows that resuming work can actually aid recovery and help depressed employees. However, the Society of Occupational Medicine warned that employers need to be sensitive and consider a range of interventions including changing an employees tasks and reducing hours to help people when they return to work. Line managers also play a key role as an early return to work is aided by line managers keeping in touch at least once every two weeks.
The study followed more than 500 people who were unable to work with depression from a variety of industries over the course of a year. A return to employment significantly promoted recovery. Importantly, it was the approach and flexibility of their employers that proved vital.
The study echoes the findings of Dame Carol Black’s Review ‘Working for a healthier tomorrow’ which recognized that for most people work is good both for their long-term health and for their family’s well-being. Buy generic diflucan The review found that ill health was costing the country ??100 billion a year - ??40 billion of which was related to mental health.
"Better access to occupational health services and psychological support are essential if employees with depression and anxiety are to get back to work quickly" said Dr Gordon Parker, President of the Society of Occupational Medicine. "’Employers are often frightened of contacting an employee whose sick note says ‘depression’ for fear of being accused of harassment, but sympathetic contact with the employee and early help through occupational health can identify the most appropriate support. Occupational health services are ideally placed to advise managers and employees on the best return to work plan and should be involved early in the management of the employee’s absence".
In any one year about 1 in every 4 employees in the UK will have a mental health problem, and depression is one of the most common. It is not just distressing for the person involved. It makes them less productive at work and is responsible for high rates of sick-leave, accidents and staff turnover. Work often plays one of the largest roles in shaping people’s identity and if employees are absent for some time due to anxiety or depression, this can add to feelings of a lack of self-worth. This study shows that going back to work is often one of the most important factors in speeding up a return to full health. It provides an opportunity to regain a sense of self-esteem and puts routine and stability back into people’s lives.
A good occupational health team can help senior management develop programmes to educate line managers and the workforce about depression so that the problem is recognised, appropriate early intervention given and employees are helped to return to work. Occupational Health staff will know about the particular stresses and strains of the work environment and have experience of sensitive issues such as workplace confidentiality, job security and the timing of the return to part-time or full-time working. They are also well placed to work closely with family doctors or other specialist health services.
BT’s ‘Positive Mentality’ programme is an example of how a company can be proactive in this area. Their innovative approach supports not only those who have mental health problems but also those staff who are ostensibly well. By encouraging and promoting small changes in lifestyle, significant improvements have been made in how staff cope with stress and the pressures of work and feel about their mental well-being.
Richard Craig, a 54 year old BT employee from Lancashire, suffered from depression that resulted in 6 months off work. On returning to work his hours were reduced for the first two weeks and then increased each week until he was back on full hours. His manager at the time was in contact with him each week either by phone or one to one. He believes that going back to work and the attitude of his employer was crucial to his recovery.
"Whilst I was ill my manager kept coming to see me and was really supportive. When it was time to go back to work my Occupational Health doctor organised a phased return so that I started back part time. " said Mr Craig "Going back to work gave me a structure and took my mind off things"
Depression and anxiety are now the most common reasons for people starting to claim long term sickness benefits. By investing in occupational health services, senior management teams can play a key role in helping people like Richard Craig return to work. This will improve the overall performance of the organisation and of individual employees and reduce the costs of sickness absence.
1. The Society of Occupational Medicine is the largest UK organisation for all doctors with an interest in Occupational medicine.
2. Occupational Health Doctors:
- Help prevent work-related ill health
- Advise on fitness for work
- Advise on appropriate adjustments in the workplace to help people stay in work
- Provide rehabilitation to help people return to work, and
- Identify and advise on what people CAN do, so that alternative suitable work for people with health problems can be found
- Promote healthy lifestyles and health in the workplace
- Advise employers on appropriate policies to maintain a safe workplace
Occupational Medicine is the journal of the Society of Occupational Medicine. It publishes practical, original research of interest to practising occupational health professionals throughout the world
Society of Occupational Medicine
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Pharmacopeia
(Nasdaq: PCOP), an innovator in the discovery and development of novel
small molecule therapeutics, announced that results from the
company’s Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating PS433540, its first-in-class
Dual Acting Receptor Antagonist (DARA), will be presented as a
late-breaking clinical trial at the American Society of Hypertension (ASH)
Twenty-Third Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans, May
14-17, 2008.
PS433540 is being developed as a potential treatment for both
hypertension and diabetic nephropathy and is the first and only blood
pressure product candidate in development that possesses two validated
mechanisms of action in a single compound.
Joel Neutel, MD, lead investigator and Director of Research, Orange
County Research Center, Tustin, Calif., will present results of the Phase
2a clinical trial. In addition to the late-breaker, Pharmacopeia will also
present data from its Phase 1 Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) Study of
PS433540.
Late-breaker presentation:
– "A Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and
Efficacy of a Novel New Dual Acting Receptor Antagonist (DARA
Compound) in Human Subjects with Hypertension"
– Friday, May 16, 2008, 5:38 - 5:55 p.m. CDT (6:38 - 6:55 p.m. EDT)
– New Orleans Marriott, Acadia Ballroom, 3rd Floor
Poster presentation:
– "PS433540 a Novel Dual Acting Receptor Antagonist Dose Dependently
Increases Plasma Renin Activity in Healthy Volunteers"
– Abstract # P-14
– Wednesday, May 14, 2008, Posters on Display: 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. CDT
(4:00 - 8:00 p.m. EDT), Poster Discussion: 5:15 - 6:15 p.m. CDT
(6:15 - 7:15 p.m. EDT)
– New Orleans Marriott, Le Galerie Ballroom, 2nd Floor
About Pharmacopeia
Pharmacopeia is a clinical development stage biopharmaceutical company
dedicated to discovering and developing novel small molecule therapeutics
to address significant medical needs. The company has a broad portfolio of
clinical and preclinical candidates under development internally or by
partners including eight clinical compounds in Phase 2 or Phase 1
development addressing multiple indications including hypertension,
diabetic nephropathy, muscle wasting, inflammation and respiratory disease.
The company is leveraging its fully integrated drug discovery platform to
sustain the growth of its development pipeline. Pharmacopeia has
established strategic alliances with major pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Cephalon,
GlaxoSmithKline, Schering-Plough, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. For more
information please visit the company’s website at

This press release, and oral statements made with respect to
information contained in this press release, constitute forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Buy lasix without prescription Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include those which express
plan, anticipation, intent, goal, contingency or future development and/or
otherwise are not statements of historical fact. These statements are based
upon management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and
uncertainties, known and unknown, which could cause actual results and
developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such
statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited
to, statements about the successful implementation of Pharmacopeia’s
strategic plans, Pharmacopeia’s plans to develop PS433540, a product
candidate from its DARA program, Pharmacopeia’s Phase 2 and Phase 1
clinical studies with respect to PS433540, including timing and expected
outcomes of such studies, Pharmacopeia’s plans to develop PS178990, a
product candidate from its SARM program, Pharmacopeia’s Phase 1 clinical
studies with respect to PS178990, including timing and expected outcomes of
such studies, Pharmacopeia’s plans to develop PS031291, a product candidate
from its chemokine receptor CCR1 program, Pharmacopeia’s estimates of the
market opportunities for its product candidates, including PS433540,
PS178990 and PS031291, Pharmacopeia’s ability to raise additional capital,
Pharmacopeia’s anticipated operating results, financial condition,
liquidity and capital resources, Pharmacopeia’s ability to successfully
perform under its collaborations with Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cephalon,
GlaxoSmithKline, Schering-Plough and Wyeth, Pharmacopeia’s ability to build
its pipeline of novel drug candidates through its own internally-funded
drug discovery programs, third party collaborations and in-licensing,
Pharmacopeia’s expectations concerning the development priorities of its
collaborators, their ability to successfully develop compounds and its
receipt of milestones and royalties from the collaborations, Pharmacopeia’s
expectations concerning the legal protections afforded by U.S. and
international patent law, Pharmacopeia’s ability to pursue the development
of new compounds and other business matters without infringing the patent
rights of others, additional competition, and changes in economic
conditions.
Further information about these and other relevant risks and
uncertainties may be found in Pharmacopeia’s Reports on Form 8-K, 10-Q and
10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Pharmacopeia
urges you to carefully review and consider the disclosures found in its
filings which are available in the SEC EDGAR database at
and from Pharmacopeia at All forward-looking
statements in this press release and oral statements made with respect to
information contained in this press release are qualified entirely by the
cautionary statements included in this press release and such filings.
These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ
materially from results expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of
this press release. Pharmacopeia undertakes no obligation to (and expressly
disclaims any such obligation to) publicly update or revise the statements
made herein or the risk factors that may relate thereto whether as a result
of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Pharmacopeia

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The arrival of summer brings with it an alarming increase of honey bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets, especially dreadful for those who experience severe allergic reactions to insect venom.
Many who have reactions like hives, breathing difficulty, coughing or a drop in blood pressure are unaware that Epipens, self-injected epinephrine, are no longer the only way to treat insect venom allergies. Preventative measures, like allergy shots, show good results and reduce the chance for subsequent reactions to a very small percent.
Buy lasix pills Raymond Slavin, M.D., an allergy expert and professor of internal medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine division of allergy and clinical immunology, has been running clinics to test people for venom allergies since the testing and treatment first became available in the 1970’s. Slavin is available to discuss severe reactions to insect venom, ways to avoid stings and treatment options.
Saint Louis University Medical Center
St. Louis, MO 63103
United States

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