The study, led by Rosalba (Rose) Hernandez of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, reviewed 18 randomized controlled trials examining the impact of positive psychology and mindfulness interventions on cardiovascular health. The interventions, delivered through various modalities including phone sessions, journaling, digital tools, and in-person meetings, typically lasted between six and 12 weeks. The research found that these practices were consistently associated with improvements in blood pressure, inflammation, and other heart disease risk factors, with some benefits linked to healthier behaviors such as better eating habits and increased physical activity [https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260901011721.htm].
Specifically, mindfulness-based programs delivered over an eight-week period reduced systolic blood pressure and lowered inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in cohorts with hypertension and post-acute coronary syndrome. A 12-week spirituality-based digital intervention achieved notable reductions in both systolic blood pressure and central systolic pressure. The review indicated that programs with more frequent participant contact yielded the most reliable physiological benefits, suggesting that daily practice reinforced by weekly sessions over eight to 12-week periods is the therapeutic dose most consistently linked with improvements in blood pressure, inflammation, and endothelial function [https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260901011721.htm].