Mindfulness in Chronic Kidney Disease (MIND-CKD)

Emory University

Researchers at Emory University want to know more about whether mindfulness meditation (MM) improves sympathetic function in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

~30 million people in the US have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are at 5-15 fold greater risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease and mortality. A major factor contributing to increased CV risk in these patients is chronic elevation of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. New therapeutic strategies to safely and effectively ameliorate SNS over-activity are of paramount importance to improve clinical outcomes in this highly prevalent and high-risk patient population.

This study will test whether MM improves sympathetic function in CKD and whether transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) optimizes the sympatho-inhibitory effects of MM and restores autonomic balance in CKD patients.

 

You may qualify for the study if:

  • Males and females between 40 – 80 years of age
  • Kidney function by eGFR is stable over the prior 3 months
  • Stages III and IV CKD as defined by the CKD-EPI equation

 

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Blood pressure less than 100/50 mmHg
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • History of surgery within the last 3 months

Locations:

Atlanta VA Medical Center