By David McLaren, MD – Certified Teacher of Transcendental Meditation®
Understanding the Importance of This Update
Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure — and among those age 60 and older, that number rises above 70%. High blood pressure remains the number one risk factor for the number one cause of death in the United States: heart disease.
This makes the recent update to the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) national guidelines for blood pressure prevention and treatment especially significant.
TM Included in National Guidelines
For the first time, the Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) technique has been included among the lifestyle approaches recommended for all adults in these joint AHA/ACC national guidelines.
TM is the only meditation technique specifically cited in the report, with supporting evidence rated as moderate to high quality. Other meditation and mindfulness practices were not included due to weaker supporting data.
A Complementary Approach to Heart Health
It’s important to note that TM is included as part of a set of lifestyle approaches—not as a stand-alone replacement for medication or other treatments. Together with regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and medical guidance, TM can play a meaningful role in aiding cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
As a retired neurologist and certified TM teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how this simple, natural technique can reduce stress and support the mind-body connection that underlies many aspects of health.
The Science Behind Calm: TM's Growing Recognition
Adding TM into these national guidelines is a signficant milestone for the medical community and also for the TM community. It publicly acknowledges decades of peer-reviewed research demonstrating TM’s benefits for improving heart health, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing overall resilience.
If you are interested in learning more about the Transcendental Meditation technique and its research foundation, you can contact me directly for information on upcoming courses and instruction, and visit tm.org to explore additional resources.
With best wishes for your health and well-being,
David McLaren, MD
Retired Neurologist
Certified Teacher of Transcendental Meditation®
Columbia, Mo