Expert commentary in leading cardiology journal suggests Transcendental Meditation reduces stress-related cardiovascular risk
Psychosocial stress is a major contributor to hypertension and cardiovascular disease, according to a new commentary published in Nature Reviews Cardiology. The article reviews decades of scientific evidence showing how chronic stress affects cardiovascular biology and examines research on the Transcendental Meditation technique as a potential strategy for reducing stress-related cardiovascular risk.
The commentary was authored by Robert H. Schneider, MD, FACC, of Maharishi International University; Keith C. Norris, MD, PhD, of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; and Robert D. Brook, MD, of Wayne State University School of Medicine.
Large international studies have shown that psychosocial stress substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Stress contributes to disease through several biological pathways, including activation of the sympathetic nervous system, dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. These mechanisms accelerate vascular aging and contribute to hypertension and cardiometabolic disease.
“Psychosocial stress is a powerful and modifiable contributor to cardiovascular disease,” said Schneider, lead author of the commentary and director of the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi International University. “Addressing stress may represent an important opportunity to improve cardiovascular prevention.”
Meditation and cardiovascular physiology
The commentary reviews research suggesting that the Transcendental Meditation technique produces a physiological state often described as “restful alertness,” characterized by reduced sympathetic nervous system activity and increased parasympathetic tone. These changes reflect improved autonomic regulation and reduced activation of stress-response pathways. Neuroimaging studies have also reported changes in brain networks involved in stress regulation and emotional resilience.
“These findings suggest that stress-reduction approaches may influence biological pathways involved in hypertension and cardiovascular disease,” said Norris, professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Evidence from clinical studies
More than three decades of clinical research—including randomized controlled trials—have examined the cardiovascular effects of Transcendental Meditation. Studies cited in the commentary report reductions in blood pressure, improvements in metabolic risk factors, and slower progression of atherosclerosis. Some trials have also reported reductions in major cardiovascular events among individuals practicing the technique.
Recognition of psychosocial stress as a cardiovascular risk factor is increasingly reflected in clinical practice guidelines. The 2025 American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology hypertension guideline includes stress reduction—including Transcendental Meditation—among recommended lifestyle approaches for managing blood pressure. The authors conclude that addressing psychosocial stress more systematically could contribute to reductions in hypertension and cardiovascular risk and support more comprehensive approaches to cardiovascular prevention.
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The commentary was authored by Robert H. Schneider, MD, FACC, of Maharishi International University; Keith C. Norris, MD, PhD, of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; and Robert D. Brook, MD, of Wayne State University School of Medicine.
Large international studies have shown that psychosocial stress substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Stress contributes to disease through several biological pathways, including activation of the sympathetic nervous system, dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. These mechanisms accelerate vascular aging and contribute to hypertension and cardiometabolic disease.
“Psychosocial stress is a powerful and modifiable contributor to cardiovascular disease,” said Schneider, lead author of the commentary and director of the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi International University. “Addressing stress may represent an important opportunity to improve cardiovascular prevention.”
Meditation and cardiovascular physiology
The commentary reviews research suggesting that the Transcendental Meditation technique produces a physiological state often described as “restful alertness,” characterized by reduced sympathetic nervous system activity and increased parasympathetic tone. These changes reflect improved autonomic regulation and reduced activation of stress-response pathways. Neuroimaging studies have also reported changes in brain networks involved in stress regulation and emotional resilience.
“These findings suggest that stress-reduction approaches may influence biological pathways involved in hypertension and cardiovascular disease,” said Norris, professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Evidence from clinical studies
More than three decades of clinical research—including randomized controlled trials—have examined the cardiovascular effects of Transcendental Meditation. Studies cited in the commentary report reductions in blood pressure, improvements in metabolic risk factors, and slower progression of atherosclerosis. Some trials have also reported reductions in major cardiovascular events among individuals practicing the technique.
Recognition of psychosocial stress as a cardiovascular risk factor is increasingly reflected in clinical practice guidelines. The 2025 American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology hypertension guideline includes stress reduction—including Transcendental Meditation—among recommended lifestyle approaches for managing blood pressure. The authors conclude that addressing psychosocial stress more systematically could contribute to reductions in hypertension and cardiovascular risk and support more comprehensive approaches to cardiovascular prevention.
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