Effectiveness Mind-Body Therapies on Dyspnea in Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Dyspnea remains a prevalent and distressing symptom among patients with heart failure, despite advancements in standard medical therapy. Mind-body therapy interventions have been implemented as complementary approaches to alleviate dyspnea; however, the evidence regarding their effectiveness is inconsistent.

Objective: This systematic review synthesizes scientific evidence on the effectiveness of mind-body therapies for dyspnea in patients with heart failure.

Methods: The review employed a systematic review design in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The literature was searched across six databases: PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Sage Journals, and ClinicalKey Nursing. Inclusion criteria were patients with heart failure experiencing dyspnea, mind-body therapy–based interventions, randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs, and publications from the past 10 years (2016–2026).

Result: Seven studies met these criteria, encompassing a total of 391 patients with heart failure. Interventions included diaphragmatic breathing, yoga breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mindful breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and biofeedback- assisted relaxation. All reviewed articles reported a reduction in dyspnea following mind- body-based complementary interventions, with five of the seven studies demonstrating statistically significant results.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that mind-body therapy–based interventions may serve as supportive therapies in the management of dyspnea among patients with heart failure.