Modulation of the autonomic nervous system assessed through heart rate variability by a mindfulness based stress reduction program

Abstract

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an established method to evaluate cardiac sympatho-vagal balance [1]. Reduced HRV is an adverse prognostic marker for fatal arrhythmias in myocardial infarction and heart failure patients [2,3]. Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) is a well-delineated 8-week meditation program that has a standardized technique [4]. Certain meditation practices have been shown to positively influence HRV [5,6], but the effects of MBSR on HRV have not been established. Twenty two healthy volunteerswere recruited fromparticipants of a MBSR program. After excluding for followup loss and ECG artifact, final study population was 18 subjects (44% men, mean age 52.7 ± 11.8 years, mean BMI 24.0 ± 3.9 kg/m). The study protocol was approved by the University of Minnesota Institutional Review Board, and written informed consent (in accordancewith theHelsinki Declaration) was obtained. Volunteers were reimbursed US$50 per visit to cover travel costs. MBSR consists of an 8-week intervention with weekly classes that last 2–3 h, and daily home practice is encouraged [7].