Despite increasing awareness, as well as better diagnostics and treatment, women remain more likely than men to present with advanced disease and experience higher CVD-related morbidity and mortality. Higher morbidity and mortality for CVD in women is related to its complex and unique development and presentation. Adding to this complexity is the fact that atherosclerosis, the hallmark feature of CVD, only partly explains CVD in women, with at least half of women with ischemic heart disease presenting with no coronary artery obstruction. CVD risk factors include genetic predisposition as well as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and physical inactivity. Additionally, psychosocial variables including stress, depression, and lack of social support significantly contribute to the manifestation of CVD, particularly in women. CVD evolves over decades; thus primary prevention, including stress management and psychosocial support strategies, may attenuate risk, particularly when implemented early in the trajectory of disease evolution.

Tai chi is a feasible and acceptable moving meditation practice that appears to decrease fatigue and may decrease inflammatory signaling. Additionally, it can increase mindfulness, spirituality, and self-compassion.

This study examined the effects of tai chi (TC) on biobehavioral factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women. 

A randomized trial used a wait-list control group, pretest-posttest design. Data were collected immediately before, immediately after, and 2 months following the intervention. The study was community based in central Virginia. The 8-week intervention built on prior work and was designed to impact biobehavioral factors associated with CVD risk in women. Biological measures included fasting glucose, insulin, and lipids as well as C-reactive protein and cytokines. Behavioral measures included fatigue, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, social support, mindfulness, self-compassion, and spiritual thoughts and behaviors. 

This study contributes important insights into the potential benefits and mechanisms of TC and, with further research, may ultimately lead to effective strategies for reducing CVD risk in women earlier in the CVD trajectory. 

Results like these don't just come from waving your arms around and zoning out in the park for 10 minutes a day 

 

If you want to be healthy & strong again, there's work you have to do, and skills you have to learn. 

 

But it doesn't have to be hard, either. 

 

We've put together a guide you can follow, and in just a few weeks you'll see undeniable results!