Study for Breathing Interventions in Congestive Heart Failure

Pilot Study for Breathing Interventions in Congestive Heart Failure

Slow breathing may reduce stress. Adults with congestive heart failure have higher stress than the general population. This study will examine if using slow breathing is feasible among adults with heart failure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Documented heart failure from medical chart review with signs and symptoms consistent with disease
• Reduced left ventricular function with ejection fraction of less than or equal to 40%
• English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• New York Heart Failure Association Class I or IV
• Myocardial infarction in the last 3 months
• Cardiac surgery in the last 3 months
• Significant valvular heart disease
• Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (hemoglobin a1c ≥ 8)
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Systolic greater than 140 mmHg
• Diastolic greater than or 90 mmHg
• Cognitive impairment (Mini-mental state exam less than or equal to 24)
• Acute major depression in the last 3 months
• Other psychiatric conditions including schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• Attention-deficit-disorder or attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder
• Musculoskeletal condition limiting capacity to perform simple movements such as significant chronic lower back pain or neck pain
• Unstable or severe chronic lung conditions
• Current participation in a mind-body practice/program
• Current cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer
• Regular swimmer
• Plays wind or brass musical instruments