Investigating how mindfulness affects inflammation in heart disease

The Effect of Mindfulness on Vascular Inflammation in Stable Coronary Disease: A Multi-System PET/MRI Study

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11010415

This study is looking at how practicing mindfulness can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health in people with stable coronary disease by seeing how stress affects the brain and body.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11010415 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction on inflammation in patients with stable coronary disease. By using advanced imaging techniques like PET and MRI, the study aims to understand how stress affects the brain and body, particularly focusing on the amygdala and its role in inflammation. Participants will engage in mindfulness practices while researchers monitor changes in their vascular health and stress-related brain activity. The goal is to uncover new insights into how reducing stress can improve heart health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with stable coronary artery disease who experience chronic stress.

Not a fit: Patients with acute coronary syndrome or those who do not experience significant stress may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new non-pharmacological treatments for reducing inflammation and improving heart health in patients with coronary disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using mindfulness to reduce stress and inflammation, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, atherosclerotic coronary disease, atherosclerotic disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.