Study of Comparative Study of ECG Changes during Various Stages of Meditation and Rest
International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Review and Research June 30, 2026 Gitanjali Gitanjali, Ayushi Ayushi, Vijay Kumar Singh
Meditation produces distinct changes in heart activity that vary by stage. Compared with resting before meditation, active meditation and especially deep meditation lower heart rate, lengthen the RR interval (the time between heartbeats), and increase heart rate variability, a sign of greater parasympathetic (vagal) nervous system activity and reduced sympathetic influence. Small adjustments in PR, QRS, and QT intervals occurred but stayed within normal limits. After meditation, autonomic relaxation persisted relative to pre-meditation rest. The findings support meditation as a practice that improves cardiac autonomic function and cardiovascular health.