Meditators have a lower Heart Rate during mediation and it STAYS lower outside of practice. (compared to nonmeditators)
Here is the research:
ROUTT, T. J. Low normal heart and respiration rates in individuals practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique. Department of Psychology,Huxley College of Environmental Studies, Western Washington State College,Bellingham, Washington, U.S.A., 1973.
WALLACE, R. K. Physiological effects of Transcendental Meditation.Science 167: 1751-1754, 1970.
STEHLE, R. Ventilation, heart rate, and respiratory partial pressuresof athletes practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique. Diplomarbeit(abbr.), Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Cologne, W. Germany, 1975.
Delmonte, M.M. "Physiological Responses during Meditation and Rest." Biofeedback and Self-Regulation 9, no. 2 (1984f): 181-200.
Bagga, O.P., and A. Gandhi. "A Comparative Study of the Effect of Transcendental Meditation and Shavasana Practice on the Cardiovascular System." Indian Heart Journal 35, no. 1 (1983): 39-45.
Pollard, G., and R. Ashton. "Heart Rate Decrease: A Comparison of Feedback Modalities and Biofeedback with Other Procedures." Biological Psychology 14 (1982): 245-257.
Cuthbert, B., J. Kristeller, R. Simons, et al. "Strategies of Arousal Control: Biofeedback, Meditation and Motivation." Journal of Experimental Psychology General 110, no. 4 (1981): 518-546.
Lang, R., K. Dehob, K. Meurer, et al. "Sympathetic Activity and TM." Journal of Neural Transmission 44, no. 1-2 (1979): 117-135.
Paul, G.L. "Physiological Effects of Relaxation Training and Hypnotic Suggestion." Journal of Abnormal Psychology 74 (1969): 425-437.
