Plain-English translation of NCT04505865 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 trial is testing whether learning mindfulness and stress reduction techniques can help reduce inflammation in your arteries if you have stable heart disease and high stress. Researchers will use advanced imaging scans (PET and MRI) to measure inflammation in your body before and after the program. The goal is to see whether managing stress through mind-body techniques can improve your heart health.
We know that stress and inflammation in the arteries are linked to heart disease, but we don't fully understand whether reducing stress can actually lower this inflammation. This study will help doctors understand whether this meditation-based program could be a helpful treatment alongside your regular heart medications.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you qualify and are enrolled, you would first have baseline brain and heart imaging scans (PET and MRI), then be randomly assigned to either continue your usual medical care alone or to participate in an 8-week mindfulness and stress reduction program alongside your medical care. The program teaches you about stress and relaxation techniques, guides daily practice, and includes cognitive behavioral skills training. After about 12 weeks, you would return for follow-up imaging scans to measure any changes in inflammation.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 14, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Massachusetts General Hospital
Enrollment target
~36 participants
Started
November 2021
Primary completion
December 2026
Age range
45 Years – 65 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in March 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Michael T Osborne, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital
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.