Mindfulness-based stress reduction program in coronary heart disease: A randomized control trial

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychology
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Psychological factors like anxiety and depression are linked to coronary heart disease (CHD).
• Stress impacts risk factors for CHD, including high blood pressure (BP), inactivity, and overweight.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is explored for its potential benefits in managing CHD risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the MBSR program on anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in patients with CHD.
• To assess the effect of MBSR on physiological markers such as blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI) in CHD patients.
• To determine the long-term efficacy of MBSR in maintaining improvements in psychological and physiological measures.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial design was employed with pre-, post-intervention, and follow-up assessments.
• Thirty male patients (30-65 years) with CHD were randomized into either an MBSR group or a treatment-as-usual (TAU) group.
• The MBSR group received eight weekly sessions, while the TAU group received one health education session; both groups maintained regular medical care.

Main Results:

• The MBSR program led to significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and perceived stress.
• Patients in the MBSR group showed significant decreases in blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI).
• These therapeutic gains were sustained at the 3-month follow-up assessment for the MBSR group.

Conclusions:

• The MBSR program is a viable and effective intervention for managing psychological distress in patients with CHD.
• MBSR demonstrates efficacy in reducing key risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including elevated BP and BMI.
• The findings support the integration of MBSR into cardiac rehabilitation programs to improve patient outcomes.