Hypertension is a chronic condition that causes heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and other serious health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control, hypertension directly or indirectly killed about 472,000 Americans in 2017, and it costs the United States over $130 billion per year. It also heightens the risk of death for people who contract COVID-19. The primary means for controlling this condition is with medication. We are testing an alternate approach, which combines hypnosis and virtual reality.


What are we seeking?

We are seeking volunteers with severe hypertension, and we especially welcome people whose hypertension is difficult to control by current medication.


What will the volunteers do?

The trial entails having volunteers download our app onto their smart phones and play it for a month, using a set of VR goggles, as described below. The app runs for about 40 minutes, and volunteers can view it in the comfort of their own homes. Volunteers will use this product in addition to performing their normal hypertension maintenance procedures as established by their doctors. Patients should not disregard their doctors' advice!


Where is the trial located?

Since the trial is over the Internet, there is no need to travel anywhere.


Is there a cost?

In this testing stage, our app is free to use. However, in order to test our software, the volunteers will need to have a smartphone with a 4½" – 6" screen, measured diagonally. Volunteers will also need virtual reality headsets with built-in speakers. For a full explanation of the requirements, please click here.


Why do we think this app is worth testing?

Studies have shown that treatments which used the same core concepts have successfully lowered people’s blood pressure. We have found similar results when trying our app on a very small sample of users. However, these samples were too small to draw any definitive conclusions. Now we seek to leverage the power of the Internet for a large scale test.


Does the app have any known side effects?

Users often report sleeping better after they use the app.


What is my time commitment?

You must agree to use the app for 40 minutes per day for a month in a quite place. The app is not interactive, and you can view it in bed or in your favorite chair.


Will I be receiving a placebo?

Everyone will receive the exact same app. However, this app is designed to trigger the same healing reactions in your body that a placebo would cause – and amplify them.


How do I join?

First, email us at HypertensionTrial@worksol.net. In the email, enclose your contact information and your phone type (Android or iPhone). Then we will add you to our approved download list and send you a link.

---

References:

[1] "The Use of Relaxation and Hypnosis in Lowering High Blood Pressure," by Herdis L. Deabler Ph.D., Edward Fidel B.S., Robert L. Dillenkoffer M.D. & S. Thomas Elder Ph.D., American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Volume 16, 1973 - Issue 2, Pages 75-83.

[2] "The Use of Hypnosis and Biofeedback Procedures for Essential Hypertension," by Howard Friedman & Harvey A. Taub (1977), International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Volume 25, 1977 - Issue 4, pp. 335-347.

[3] "Effectiveness of Hypnosis in Reducing Mild Essential Hypertension: A One-Year Follow-Up," by Marie-Claire Gay, International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Volume 55, 2007 - Issue 1, pp. Pages 67-83.