Mind over arteries: can stress relief soothe heart inflammation?
NCT ID NCT04505865
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether an 8-week stress reduction program can lower inflammation in the arteries of people with stable heart disease. About 36 adults who feel stressed will take part. Researchers will use special PET/MRI scans to measure changes in artery and brain activity before and after the program.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 36 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2021
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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45 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Must admit to feeling stressed and/or have PSS score \> 13 (moderate stress) * Must be willing to complete stress reduction course and imaging sessions with \< 3 missed appointments in last year * Known clinical cardiovascular disease with prior atherosclerotic myocardial infarction, percutaneous intervention or bypass surgery \> 6 months before entry, or severe coronary calcifications on computed tomography or coronary calcium score \>400 * Stable symptoms without symptomatic heart failure or arrhythmia or planned revascularization * Maximally tolerated and stable medical regimen for 90 days that does not include a high intensity statin for clinical reasons * No neurological disease or systemic inflammatory disease/current anti-inflammatory therapy * No active psychiatric disease/medications or substance abuse (including tobacco smoking or more than moderate alcohol) for last 6 months * No current participation in cardiac rehab or prior participation in stress reduction * For imaging: no pregnancy, weight \> 300 lbs., metal implants, uncontrolled hyperglycemia, or inability to provide consent or comply
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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