Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 6, 2025

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
16:40

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation

Published on: February 28, 2012

26.6K

Meditation for Improved Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Implantable Defibrillators for Heart Failure- Pilot Study

Dash Aditee1, Malhotra Pankaj1, Beri Neil1

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.

Journal of Atrial Fibrillation
|October 7, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Meditation may improve survival and reduce arrhythmias in congestive heart failure patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD). This pilot study suggests Vipassana meditation offers potential benefits for cardiac event reduction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychoneuroimmunology
  • Medical Interventions

Background:

  • Sympathetic nervous system activation is linked to adverse outcomes in congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Emotional reactivity may contribute to arrhythmias in CHF patients.
  • Meditation is explored as a strategy to mitigate sympathetic overactivity and reduce cardiac events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of Vipassana meditation on arrhythmias and clinical events in patients with CHF and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD).
  • To assess if meditation can reduce emotional reactivity and its impact on cardiac health.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial comparing Vipassana meditation to usual care in CHF patients with ICDs.
  • Meditation group received structured classes and daily practice recommendations.
  • Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac events were monitored via ICD and clinical follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Patients in the meditation group showed a trend towards improved survival (88% vs. 67%).
  • Fewer sustained atrial fibrillation episodes (0.9 vs. 2.5) and ventricular tachycardia (25% vs. 55%) occurred in the meditation group.
  • Reduced need for amiodarone and VT ablation was observed in the meditation arm.

Conclusions:

  • This pilot study indicates a potential benefit of meditation in improving survival and reducing arrhythmias in CHF patients with ICDs.
  • Long-term follow-up suggests meditation may be a valuable complementary therapy for managing CHF.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger cohorts.
Abstract

Keywords:
ArrhythmiasHeart failureMeditation

More Related Videos

Testing the Efficacy of Pharmacological Agents in a Pericardial Target Delivery Model in the Swine10:05

Testing the Efficacy of Pharmacological Agents in a Pericardial Target Delivery Model in the Swine

Published on: July 7, 2016

8.7K
Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing12:45

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing

Published on: December 11, 2017

10.8K

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
140
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
270
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
176
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
122