Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Older Adults at Risk for Coronary Artery Disease: A Pilot Randomized Trial

Stress influences metabolic activity and increases risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We sought to a) examine feasibility and acceptability of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in older adults at risk for CVD, and b) obtain preliminary data on its metabolic impact.

A pilot RCT was conducted using a pre-post, 2-month follow-up design. Eighty-one individuals with metabolic syndrome and non-normative responses to stress in a previous investigation were invited. Participants were randomized (by sex and stress response) to a 9-week MBSR or a wait-list control group. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed and blood assayed. Between-subjects (MBSR vs waitlist control) ANOVAs on metabolic parameter change scores, and one-way repeated measures ANOVAs (pre-, post-, follow-up) were performed.

Thirty-three individuals (41%) responded to invitations, 26 were interested, of whom 19 were randomized (M_age = 67 years, SD = 7.70). Completion rate of MBSR was 72% and overall attendance was 96%. Reported benefits included increased relaxation, greater interpersonal connection, and increased body awareness. MBSR led to a decrease of 15% in LDL cholesterol and 10% in total cholesterol versus 4.5% and 1%, respectively, in the waitlist. Within group analyses showed notable decreases in LDL, triglycerides, and waist circumference post-MBSR and 2 months later.

A RCT was largely feasible and MBSR acceptable to participants. MBSR may lead to sustained decreases in cholesterol levels, warranting development of large-scale research on this topic.

Given the role of stress in CVD, addition of stress management interventions may serve as a useful complement to risk management among older individuals.