The Effect of Meditation on Regulation of Heart Rate

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the dynamics of heart rate before and during meditation to investigate the effect of meditation on heart rate regulation. For this purpose, heart rate signals from the Physiont database were used. Linear and nonlinear features were calculated in two data sets before and during meditation. The results show that the heart rate fluctuations decrease during meditation, and the heart rate rhythm becomes more regular. In contrast, before meditation, the criteria for heart rate changes and heart rate fluctuations are high. Also, the result indicates a decrease in mean heart rate during meditation. It has been shown that the suggested features can be useful in evaluating the heart rate signal during meditation. Meditation has been considered an adjunct therapy in managing psychiatric illnesses (such as anxiety and depression) and maintaining mental health. As a result, the use of meditation can be very effective in preventing cardiovascular disease due to its positive effect on heart rhythm regulation and relaxation.