Meditation as a Stress Management Strategy in Cardiac Rehabilitation for Coronary Artery Disease Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to evaluate whether adding a 16-week structured meditation intervention to a long-term (phase III) cardiac rehabilitation program reduces perceived stress and improves anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Patients were randomized 1:1 to standard cardiac rehabilitation plus meditation (experimental group) or standard cardiac rehabilitation alone (control group). The meditation intervention consisted of four weekly 90-minute group sessions followed by 12 weeks of daily individual practice supported by weekly follow-up calls. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 16 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years (male or female). * Clinically stable coronary artery disease, documented by previous myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, percutaneous coronary intervention, or angina pectoris. * Active participation in the long-term cardiac rehabilitation program for at least 3 months. * Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer for telephone follow-up and meditation video materials. * Written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairment that prevents informed consent or questionnaire completion. * Symptomatic heart failure. * Cardiac implantable defibrillators or resynchronization devices. * Lack of access to the technology required for the intervention.