Plain-English translation of NCT04496947 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This is a pilot study testing whether mindfulness-based stress reduction—a program focused on relaxation techniques, stress management, and building resilience—can help reduce inflammation in the arteries of people experiencing high stress. Researchers will use special imaging scans to measure inflammation in your blood vessels before and after the program. The goal is to understand whether teaching your mind and body to relax can have real, measurable benefits for your heart health.
We know that stress and inflammation in blood vessels are linked to heart disease, but we don't yet have good evidence that teaching people to manage stress can actually reduce that inflammation. This trial will help answer that question and could lead to new ways to protect heart health.
You likely qualify if…
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If you are selected, you will first have a screening visit to confirm you meet the study requirements. You will then have a baseline imaging scan (PET/MRI) to measure inflammation in your arteries and brain. You'll then be randomly assigned to either an 8-week stress reduction program or a control group with no intervention. About 12 weeks later, you'll return for a follow-up imaging scan to see whether the stress reduction program made a difference in your inflammation levels.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 16, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Massachusetts General Hospital
Enrollment target
~30 participants
Started
September 2018
Primary completion
January 2027
Age range
30 Years – 65 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in June 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Ahmed Tawakol, MD
MGH
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.