Investigating how mindfulness affects inflammation in heart disease
Official title: The Effect of Mindfulness on Vascular Inflammation in Stable Coronary Disease: A Multi-System PET/MRI Study
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11010415 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $199,800 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL151909-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010415 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with stable coronary artery disease who experience chronic stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute coronary syndrome or those who do not experience significant stress may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Osborne, Michael Thomas — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Osborne, Michael Thomas
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.