Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Older Adults at Risk for Coronary Artery Disease
Stress can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). These investigators from Canada examined the feasibility and acceptability of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in older adults at risk for CVD, as well as its metabolic impact. They conducted a pre-post randomized controlled pilot study among eighteen individuals with metabolic syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to a 9-week MBSR program or a wait-list control group. The mean age was 67 years. The completion rate for MBSR was 72% and the overall attendance was 96%. Participants reported increased relaxation, greater interpersonal connection, and increased body awareness following the intervention. MBSR was associated with a decrease of 15% in LDL cholesterol and 10% in total cholesterol versus 4.5% and 1%, respectively, in the waitlist group. The authors concluded that, given the role of stress in CVD, stress management interventions may be a useful addition to managing cardiovascular risk among older individuals.
Gentile C, Starnino L, Dupuis G, D’Antono B. Clinical Gerontologist. 45(2):272-286, 2022.
Filed Under: News and Notes