Millions of Britons with heart disease should start meditating to help stop the condition progressing, according to research.
Scientists found that daily meditation reduces levels of stress, anxiety and depression by about a third in those with heart problems. This boosts overall health and reduces damaging stress hormones, meaning patients are less likely to suffer from heart attacks and strokes.
Doctors said meditation should be offered alongside other lifestyle advice such as exercise, healthy eating and medication including statins.
Cardiovascular diseases affect 7.6 million people in the UK, and cause 160,000 deaths each year.
The study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference, involved 40 patients with coronary heart disease who were aged 65 on average. Half received usual care, including an exercise
