Yoga and Mindfulness-Based Rehabilitation After Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review.

Background

Psychological distress, autonomic dysregulation, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are common after myocardial infarction (MI) and negatively affect cardiovascular outcomes. In recent years, integrative mind-body interventions, such as yoga and mindfulness-based approaches, have gained increasing attention as adjuncts to conventional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness in post-MI populations remains fragmented.

Objective

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the effects of yoga- and mindfulness-based interventions in patients following myocardial infarction.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted across major electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating yoga- or mindfulness-based interventions in post-MI patients. Eligible studies included adult MI populations. Study selection and quality assessment were performed according to predefined criteria.

Results

The 10 included studies suggest that yoga-based cardiac rehabilitation programs may provide benefits beyond standard care, particularly in terms of self-rated health, psychological well-being, and return to pre-infarction daily activities. Mindfulness-based interventions were associated with reductions in anxiety and perceived stress, improvements in blood pressure control, enhanced social support, and better health-related quality of life. Several studies also reported favorable effects on autonomic balance and stress-related physiological markers. Finally, a study reported benefits in terms of MACE (p = 0.032). However, heterogeneity in intervention protocols, outcome measures, and study designs limited direct comparisons across studies.

Conclusions

Yoga and mindfulness-based interventions appear to be promising complementary strategies in post-MI care.