NCT06511479 · NYU Langone Health
Jackson Heart Study Women's Hypertension Study
What this study is about
High blood pressure is a powerful risk factor for heart disease. Black women are more likely to have high blood pressure than white women or Hispanic women. Even when they are aware they have high blood pressure, many people struggle to keep their blood pressure controlled. Research shows a connection between life stress and high blood pressure and heart disease outcomes.
View original scientific description
High blood pressure is a powerful risk factor for heart disease. Black women are more likely to have high blood pressure than white women or Hispanic women. Even when they are aware they have high blood pressure, many people struggle to keep their blood pressure controlled. Research shows a connection between life stress and high blood pressure and heart disease outcomes. Mindfulness training programs can help people regulate their emotions and cope with stress. Research shows that mindfulness programs can also lower blood pressure. This study will compare two programs: MIND-BP, a Zoom-based mindfulness training group; and BOOST, a Zoom-based support group. The aims of the study are to test if the MIND-BP program leads to greater reductions in blood pressure, stress and depressive symptoms than the BOOST program in Black women with high blood pressure who are participating in the Jackson Heart Study. The primary outcome measure is 6-month change in systolic blood pressure. The secondary outcome measures are 6-month changes in perceived stress and depressive symptoms.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
MIND-BP
8-week program delivered to small groups by a trained facilitator using Zoom/Webex. Each session is one hour long and includes a check-in period, teaching on the week's topic, group discussion, a skill-building exercise and home practice assignment. Participants receive a workbook of all session content, audio guides for home practice, and practice logs. At the start of the program, the stress response and its importance for hypertension and cardiovascular disease is discussed, and the rationale for the mindfulness and cognitive skills to be taught are explained. Weekly sessions focus on learning and practicing skills.
BEHAVIORAL
BOOST
The BOOST program is designed to control for attention, credibility, and expectation of benefit. To parallel MIND-BP, the BOOST program will be delivered in 8 weekly group sessions via Zoom/Webex and led by a trained facilitator. Each weekly BOOST session will be 1 hour long and comprised of a check-in period, introduction of the week's topic, and group discussion. Didactic information, skill-building instruction and home practice are not included. Weekly BOOST session topics include: (1) personal experience of hypertension; (2) personal experience of stress; (3) personal experience of mood-related challenges; (4) personal experience of social relationships; (5) concerns related to hypertension treatment; (6) concerns about other health problems; (7) personal experience related to healthcare; and (8) review of the BOOST experience.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Systolic Blood Pressure
Time frame: Baseline, Month 6
Change in average systolic blood pressure (SBP) from 7 consecutive days of home blood pressure monitoring.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Female participant in Jackson Heart Study
- Willing to be randomized and comply with all aspects of protocol
- Willing to be audio-recorded during group sessions.
Exclusion criteria
- Positive cognitive screen (MMSE \<19)
- Severe depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥16)
- Pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months
- Current participation in another trial
- Arm circumference \>45 cm and \<22 cm
Where
- Jackson, Mississippi
Collaborators
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations