Biofeedback Applications in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

ABSTRACTCardiovascular diseases impair the lives of millions of Americans each year. Researchers have studied a variety of nonpharmacologic interventions in an attempt to discover their use as therapies for these diseases. Various methods of biofeedback have shown promise in the treatment or management of several cardiovascular disorders. The literature relating to the use of biofeedback therapies for hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris, cardiac ischemia, myocardial infarction, and Raynaudʼs phenomenon is reviewed. The number and types of studies in each of these areas vary widely, but research to date suggests that biofeedback could be a useful alternative or adjunct to more conventional forms of treatment. Further research to clarify the appropriate uses of biofeedback in the management of these disorders is recommended.