The Effect of Mindfulness on Vascular Inflammation in Stable Coronary Disease

This randomized controlled imaging study will be performed to evaluate the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction via a mind body program on arterial inflammation in individuals with self-identified high levels of stress and stable coronary artery disease. Individuals will undergo baseline FDG-PET and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and will then be randomized to the stress-reduction intervention group or no intervention groups by blocks (1:1) with stratification by age and sex. The stress reduction sessions focus on developing an understanding of stress physiology and the physiology of the relaxation response, on developing a regular practice of eliciting the relaxation response, and on learning cognitive behavioral and positive psychology/resilience skills.

During the screening period, patient acceptability for the study will be assessed based on medical history, concomitant medications, physical examination, and clinical laboratory test results. Acceptability for study participation will be confirmed for subjects who identify as having increased levels of stress and/or a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score >=14. Once the patient has passed screening, they will undergo baseline imaging followed by randomization and group assignment. Approximately 12 weeks after randomization, all individuals will return for follow-up imaging and evaluation.

FDG PET/MRI scans will be performed during the study for baseline and follow up to assess the intervention's impact on the brain as well as systemic and arterial inflammation along with other changes in related biomarker and imaging parameters. The Perceived Stress Scale will be delivered prior imaging during both imaging visits to measure perceived psychological stress. During both imaging sessions, subjects will be exposed to overt faces to measure signals during brain imaging.

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 reduction
• For imaging: no pregnancy, weight > 300 lbs., metal implants, uncontrolled hyperglycemia, or inability to provide consent or comply