The first study conducted between 1994 and 1999 used transcendental meditation for stress reduction in hypertensive heart disease. The study was randomized and blind. Subjects were randomized to practice TM for twelve months or to receive health education. The following measurements were obtained: left ventricular mass and function using echocardiography; clinic blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring; urinary sodium excretion; alcohol consumption, weight, physical activity, cigarette smoking, and previous use of antihypertensive medication; various quality of life measures including physical functioning, psychosocial functioning, subjective symptoms, trait anger and anger-expression, stress impact scale, personal efficacy and health locus of control, social supports, ego development, and social desirability.