Research

Current Research

Mindfulness-Based Stress Management for Patients with and at Risk for Heart Disease

A pilot study to investigate the effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Management (MBSM) program in reducing depression, as well as perceived stress, anxiety and hostility in patients with and at risk for the development of coronary heart disease.

Study to Characterize the Relationship between Depression and Inflammation following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG)

This study seeks to characterize the relationship between depressive symptomology and the expression of biomarkers of inflammation — each of which has been independently associated with cardiac morbidity and mortality — in patients who have undergone CABG surgery.

Study to Assess the Effectiveness of a Yoga Program in Improving Pulmonary Function in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

This study will assess whether an eight week yoga program, which incorporates yoga asansas, pranayama, and meditation, is effective in improving pulmonary function and physical performance in patients living with heart failure.

Study to Assess the Effects of Lymph Drainage Massage Therapy in Reducing Edema in Patients Following Cardiac Surgery

This pilot will assess whether Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT), a non-invasive massage technique, delivered by a trained practitioner to a patient in the postoperative recovery period after cardiac surgery, will have the same edema-reducing effects as routine diuretics without eliciting the adverse effects associated with diuretic use. It is also hypothesized that LDT will enhance relaxation and reduce pain.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Smoking Relapse Prevention

The success of many smoking cessation programs is well documented, although relapse rates are extremely high. This pilot study will assess the effectiveness of a six-week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program in preventing relapse in a smoking population.

CAM Therapies for Women

In collaboration with the Preventive Cardiology Program and the Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, we are examining the adoptability and potential benefits of yoga, guided imagery, and nutrition recommendations for women undergoing cardiac surgery. The goal of this project is to humanize the experience of female cardiovascular patients and empower them to be active participants in their own recovery. Specifically, we hope to evaluate current CAM usage and provide information and tools for incorporating CAM techniques that may decrease symptoms and improve health. Preliminary results suggest that those patients who adopted CAM therapies experienced better psychological and physiological functioning postoperatively.

Previous Research

Qigong as an Adjunctive Therapy for Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

The aim of this study is to assess whether qigong, a non-contact energy healing therapy, reduces depression, anxiety, and other adverse physical and psychological effects among congestive heart failure patients who are awaiting heart transplantation. Results of this study are suggestive of a reduction in patients' anxiety levels and reveal the feasibility of conducting such a trial.

Study to Assess the Effects of an Audiotape Intervention on Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery

A pilot study to assess the effectiveness of a guided imagery audiotape in reducing depression and other adverse outcomes after CABG as compared to either relaxing music or standard care alone. Results suggest that the guided imagery intervention was successful in helping to minimize patients' postoperative psychological distress, in particular postoperative anxiety.

Mantra II (The Monitoring and Actualization of Noetic Trainings) In Cardiovascular Medicine

(with Duke University)

This multisite trial is evaluating the influence of two complementary interventions (hands-on, bedside, music-imagery-touch (MIT) and/or double blinded offsite intercessory prayer) on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Results have suggested promising results and therefore a phase III trial will examine the effects of these interventions on patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Pilot Study to Assess Chelation Therapy (PACT)

(with Gervasio Lamas, MD, of Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami, FL)

At present, standard therapies for coronary artery disease include medical therapies like cholesterol reduction, aspirin therapy, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, as well as invasive therapies such as percutaneous coronary interventions and coronary bypass surgery. However, a careful national survey has shown that over one third of all patients also seek out and receive complementary and alternative therapies, the cost of which is often unreimbursed by third party payors. One such complementary treatment is chelation therapy with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The aim of this study is to provide insight into the mechanisms of benefit, if any, of chelation therapy. Promising results have led to a phase III trial being conducted through the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami, Florida.

A Customized Audiotape for Cardiac ICU and Cardiac Rehabilitation

This tape, produced by Belleruth Naperstek, is designed to help patients with postsurgical healing. Its aim is to reduce pain and postsurgical depression, better tolerate sleep disruption, noise and procedures in the ICU, and foster a sense of safety and support. The rehabilitation imagery is designed to foster optimism and encourage exercise and relaxation. Data from a pilot survey indicated that most patients perceived the tape to be enjoyable, relaxing, inspiring, and increased their confidence in their ability to heal. Listening to the tape was also associated with statistically significant reductions in pain and depression.

Surveying and Improving Sleep Habits in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients

We have studied the sleep habits and sleep quality of people who have had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Patients often report difficulty sleeping in a hospital environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which patients have sleep difficulties before entering the hospital environment, and compare this to inpatient sleep quality.

Development of Tolerance, Bioavailability and Toxicity to KAVA

The study was designed to test whether consumption of kava produced tolerance, physical dependence, and/or adverse effects in an animal model, and if so, at what dosage. It was a non-invasive behavioral trial based on observation of the animals' spontaneous and forced motor activity. Our findings indicated that kava use over a three-month period induced tolerance and resulted in liver toxicity. In March 2002, the FDA released a Consumer Advisory informing the public of the potential risk of severe liver injury associated with the use of kava-containing dietary supplements. The agency also released a letter to health professionals concerning the advisory. Both documents can be accessed via the following link: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-warn.html

Evaluation of Anti-Neoplastic Properties of Resveratrol

Resveratrol's anti-cancer and anti-proliferative effects have been reported in the literature. Resveratrol has been reported to be chemoprotective and to induce cell death in malignant cells. This study evaluated the effect of resveratrol on tumor transformation and growth. We are considering studying the effects of resveratrol in healthy human volunteers.

Massage Therapy for Patients Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization

Invasive medical procedures, such as a cardiac catheterization, are associated with anxiety, discomfort and stress for the patient. These responses are typically treated either with reassurance alone or in conjunction with medications. There are adverse reactions associated with any medication, however, particularly with heart patients, where blood pressure and heart rate instability can be problematic. During heart catheterization procedures, both the patient's responses associated with the procedure and the drug treatment of the patient's responses can potentially interfere with hemodynamic stability. Massage therapy has been used primarily in a non-medical environment for relaxation and stress reduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of massage therapy as a tool to reduce anxiety, discomfort and stress during a heart catheterization procedure. Results showed that the massage therapy was significant in reducing patients' pain, fatigue, stress and depression.

Quantitative Analysis of Reproducible Changes in High Voltage Electrophotography

Electrical gradients within cells and moving charges within neuronal channels are well accepted, yet the existence of electromagnetic fields associated with biological systems remains unproven primarily due to the inability to measure such fields. The objective of this study was to measure electromagnetic fields associated with biological systems and determine whether these fields are subject to conscious control. The results suggested that the images created in the study represent the interaction of biologically generated electromagnetic fields interacting with the corona discharge created by the electrophotographic device.