The Effect of Mindfulness on Vascular Inflammation in Stable Coronary Disease
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study aims to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of a stress reduction intervention on atherosclerotic plaque inflammation in adults with stable coronary artery disease, as quantified by positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in individuals with increased psychosocial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must admit to feeling stressed and/or have PSS score \> 13 (moderate stress) * Must be willing to complete stress reduction course and imaging sessions with \< 3 missed appointments in last year * Known clinical cardiovascular disease with prior atherosclerotic myocardial infarction, percutaneous intervention or bypass surgery \> 6 months before entry, or severe coronary calcifications on computed tomography or coronary calcium score \>400 * Stable symptoms without symptomatic heart failure or arrhythmia or planned revascularization * Maximally tolerated and stable medical regimen for 90 days that does not include a high intensity statin for clinical reasons * No neurological disease or systemic inflammatory disease/current anti-inflammatory therapy * No active psychiatric disease/medications or substance abuse (including tobacco smoking or more than moderate alcohol) for last 6 months * No current participation in cardiac rehab or prior participation in stress re