Effects of Tai Chi on stress and cardiovascular function in people with coronary heart disease and/or hypertension

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of CVD. Hypertension is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke. Stress, anxiety and depression are associated with the development and progression of CVD and its complications, reduces health-related quality of life, impedes physical functioning, and increases recurrent cardiac events and risk of mortality. People with established CVDs often suffer from stress, anxiety and depression, which are frequently undertreated with current management strategies. In recent years, research on Tai Chi for health and well-being has increased. Numerous studies have demonstrated various physical and psychological benefits of Tai Chi, including improvements in psychological stress, anxiety, depression, quality of life and cardiovascular function. However, there is still a lack of studies primarily investigating the effectiveness of a Tai Chi intervention on psychological stress, anxiety and depression, particularly in patients with CHD and/or hypertension. This doctoral project was conducted to explore the effects of a Tai Chi intervention on psychological well-being and cardiovascular function in people with CHD and/or hypertension. It included a systematic review, an international, multicentre RCT and a qualitative sub-study undertaken during 2015 to 2017.

Date of Award	2019
Original language	English