Positive Health Online

Abstract

DEL POZO and colleagues, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego, CA 9213, USA, have found that biofeedback increases the variability of heart rates in patients with coronary heart disease.

Background

Diminished heart rate variability has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in coronary heart disease. Evidence suggests that various lifestyle changes and pharmacological therapies can improve the heart rate variability. The aim of this study was to determine if biofeedback can do the same.

Methodology

63 patients with established coronary artery disease were randomly allocated to either conventional therapy or to 6 sessions of biofeedback training consisting of abdominal breath training, heart and respiratory physiological feedback, and daily breathing practice. Heart rate variability was measured pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at follow-up 12 weeks post treatment.

Results

The heart rate variability in control and treatment groups did not differ significantly pre- or post-treatment, but at 12 weeks post treatment the biofeedback group showed a significant increase in heart rate variability (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Biofeedback increases heart rate variability in patients with coronary artery disease and may be an efficient tool for improving cardiac morbidity and mortality.

References

Del Pozo JM, Gevirtz RN, Scher B, Guarneri E. Biofeedback treatment increases heart rate variability in patients with known coronary artery disease. American Heart Journal 147 (3): E11, Mar 2004.