Mindfulness-based stress reduction for patients with coronary heart disease and bipolar disorder: An 8-week comparative study.
Jiawei Wang, Yechen Wu, Fan Yang, Yue Hu, Jing Zhang
Cambridge Prisms Global Mental Health March 10, 2026 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2026.10143 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Two-phase mixed-methods study with an observational comparison and a randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 390 |
| Population | Patients with coronary heart disease diagnosed by coronary angiography; observational phase compared 219 with mood disorders and 171 without; intervention phase included 34 with bipolar disorder |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Measures | HAMD, DSM-5 psychiatric evaluation, LF/HF ratio, HAMA, NYHA class |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Mental health Bipolar disorder Coronary heart disease Gender differences Predictors Mood disorder |
| Key findings | Mood disorders were highly prevalent (56%) among CHD patients, and bipolar disorder was associated with worse autonomic function (higher LF/HF ratio). In bipolar patients, 8 weeks of MBSR reduced anxiety and improved autonomic function compared with treatment as usual, while cardiac function did not differ significantly between groups. |
Abstract
Coronary heart disease (CHD) often coexists with mood disorders (MDs), but research on comorbidity predictors and interventions remains limited. This two‑phase mixed‑methods study enrolled 390 CHD patients diagnosed by coronary angiography. Mood disorders were screened using the HAMD (≥7) and confirmed via DSM‑5 psychiatric evaluation. In the observational phase, 219 CHD patients with MDs and 171 without were compared; 56% had a mood disorder, including 34 with bipolar disorder (BD). The BD group showed a significantly higher LF/HF ratio (2.03 ± 0.38, P = 0.037), indicating autonomic dysfunction. In the intervention phase, 34 BD patients were randomized to 8‑week MBSR (n = 17) or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 17). Compared with TAU, MBSR significantly reduced anxiety (HAMA: 4.31 vs. 7.69, p = 0.010) and improved autonomic function (LF/HF: 1.49 vs. 1.82, p = 0.002). Cardiac function showed no significant between‑group difference, though NYHA class improvement tended to be higher in the MBSR group. Mood disorders, especially BD with autonomic impairment, are highly prevalent in CHD patients. MBSR is a promising intervention for psychological and autonomic improvement and may be integrated into cardiac rehabilitation.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |