Stress reduction therapies in cardiac rehabilitation

"Although this is a preliminary study, it suggests that managing one's mind-body connection with Transcendental Meditation can improve the function of the heart in cardiovascular patients," said Dr. Schneider, who is also dean of Maharishi University of Management's College of Integrative Medicine.


He said that psychosocial stress is known to be a risk factor for coronary heart disease but that stress reduction therapies aren't usually included in cardiac rehabilitation.

"More research needs to be done, but this study and previous research strongly suggest that medical professionals should consider utilizing this simple yet effective mind-body intervention in their heart health treatment and prevention programs," Dr. Schneider said.

Possible mechanism

While it's not known precisely how Transcendental Meditation would increase blood flow, the researchers speculate that it's a result of improved endothelial-mediated coronary and arteriolar vasomotor function. That is, reduced levels of stress hormones and possibly inflammation may result in improved function of the endothelial cells that line the coronary arteries. They cite research, which has found that modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease improves blood flow in the heart.

Limitations of the study

While the study suggests that the Transcendental Meditation technique can increase blood flow in cardiovascular patients, carefully conducted clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the benefit.

"This was a first pilot study designed to determine the size of the effect and feasibility," Dr. Schneider said. "Of the 56 original subjects, only 37 were available for the final posttesting of blood flow after the 12-week study period. In addition, compliance with cardiac rehabilitation was average, with attendance at exercise sessions about 60%. Also, the subjects practicing Transcendental Meditation may have received more attention than the rehabilitation group. This initial study paves the way for full scale clinical trials that will more rigorously evaluate these effects."

Transcendental Meditation also reduces risk factors for heart disease

Earlier studies have shown that the Transcendental Meditation technique reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and insulin resistance. A 2012 study found a 48% reduction in heart attack, stroke, and death.

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