Preprint / Version 1

Effects of Static Meditation Practice on Blood Lipid Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors

  • Michele Antonelli Department of Public Health, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
  • Davide Donelli Cardiology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
  • Filippo Gurgoglione Cardiology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
  • Davide Lazzeroni Prevention and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Don Gnocchi, 43100 Parma, Italy
  • Geza Halasz Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Medicine and Surgery, Division of Cardiology A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, 00152 Rome, Italy
  • Giampaolo Niccoli Cardiology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy

Keywords:

meditation, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood lipids, cardiovascular prevention, health promotion, review

Abstract

This review aims to delineate the potential impact of static meditation practice on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were systematically screened up until December 2023 to identify pertinent studies. After searching the scientific literature, 16 clinical studies (11 trials and 5 observational experiments) met the criteria for inclusion, involving a total of 1147 participants. In general, Ayurvedic-based meditation techniques were predominantly associated with lower total cholesterol levels, mindfulness-based techniques demonstrated benefits in both total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and Eastern meditation techniques with spiritual origins were primarily linked to improved serum concentrations of HDL cholesterol. Study participants mostly engaged in meditation on a daily basis, often practicing it once or even twice a day, spanning a duration ranging from a few weeks to several months. The meta-analysis shows an association between meditation practice in healthy or sub-healthy adults and reduced cholesterol levels, with an average decrease of approximately −14 mg/dL (MD = −13.91 [−23.35; −4.47] mg/dL; p = 0.02), alongside favorable and even more pronounced impacts on triglyceride levels (MD = −32.56 [−48.44; −16.68] mg/dL; p < 0.01). In summary, regular engagement in static meditation practices can be associated with lower triglyceride and, to a lesser extent, cholesterol levels. Further studies on the topic are recommended to better investigate the relationship between meditation practice and physiological parameters. Keywords: meditation, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood lipids, cardiovascular prevention, health promotion, review

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