Mindfulness for Cardiovascular Disease Risk

This trial explores how mindfulness training during pregnancy might reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart-related issues) for both mothers and their babies. Researchers aim to understand how mothers and infants respond to and recover from stress after mindfulness training and whether these responses relate to future heart health. The trial includes mothers who are six months postpartum and participated in a previous mindfulness study during pregnancy. Ideal candidates for this trial are mothers from the earlier study who had a single pregnancy and were at moderate to high risk for preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure).

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could improve heart health for future generations.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research on mindfulness training, including during pregnancy, suggests it is generally safe. Although few studies have focused on side effects, no major safety problems have emerged. Mindfulness training can lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension and has shown benefits for pregnant women at risk of high blood pressure issues. This indicates it is well-tolerated and safe to try.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about prenatal mindfulness training for cardiovascular disease risk because it offers a holistic approach that traditional medical treatments, like medication or lifestyle changes, typically do not address. This treatment emphasizes mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy, potentially reducing stress-related factors that contribute to hypertensive disorders. Additionally, it strengthens the parent-child bond post-birth, which may have long-term benefits for both. By incorporating mindfulness, this approach could offer a unique, non-invasive complement to existing cardiovascular risk management strategies.

Research has shown that mindfulness training during pregnancy can help lower blood pressure, particularly for those with slightly high or high levels. In this trial, participants who previously took part in a mindfulness arm or treatment as usual (TAU) during a prenatal mindfulness RCT will be assessed using the Still Face Paradigm. Studies suggest that mindfulness training helps manage stress and may prevent high blood pressure from returning in pregnant women. In past research, women at risk for pregnancy-related high blood pressure who participated in mindfulness training experienced better blood pressure and healthier baby growth. Participants also became more aware of their body and breathing, which helped them notice changes in blood pressure. These findings suggest that mindfulness training could reduce heart disease risk for both mothers and their children.¹²³⁶⁷