The efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention for heart diseases: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction: The efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention for heart diseases remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the impact of mindfulness-based intervention on heart diseases. Methods: We have search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through August 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of mindfulness-based intervention versus usual care on heart diseases. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. Results: Five RCTs involving 458 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for heart diseases, mindfulness-based intervention is associated with significantly increased 6 minute walking test [mean difference (MD) = 14.74; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 2.50-26.97; P = .02], decreased heart rate (MD = -2.54; 95% CI = -4.76 to -0.31; P = .03) and stress score (MD = -2.31; 95% CI = -4.23 to -0.38; P = .02), but shows no obvious impact on anxiety score (MD = -3.48; 95% CI = -7.98 to 1.03; P = .13) or respiratory rate (MD = -0.42; 95% CI = -1.31 to 0.46; P = .35). Conclusions: Mindfulness-based intervention can provide additional benefits to heart diseases.