A SMART approach to reducing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation symptoms : Results from a pilot randomized controlled trial

© 2021 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc..

BACKGROUND: Stress and negative emotions contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF). Mind-body practices decrease stress and negative emotions and may reduce AF episodes and improve quality of life for patients with AF.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of a multimodal mind-body program, the SMART Program, on AF-related quality of life in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF).

METHODS: In this randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot trial, 18 subjects with PAF participated in an 8-week SMART Program delivered online immediately or 3 months later. Validated measures were completed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months (waitlist group only).

RESULTS: Comparing pre- vs post-program scores among all 18 participants, subjects reported improvement in AF-related quality of life (Cohen's d = 0.75, P = .005) and depression (d = 0.50, P = .05) but not anxiety (d = 0.35, P = .16). Subjects also reported improvements in AF symptom severity (P = .026), distress (P = .014), positive affect (P = .003), and ability to cope with stress (P = .001). Compared to waitlist control subjects, those in the immediate group reported improvement in positive affect (d = 1.20, P = .021) and coping with stress (d = 1.36, P = .011) after participating in the program.

CONCLUSION: The SMART Program, delivered virtually, may enhance positive emotions and coping with stress as well as decrease negative emotions and AF symptoms. These results warrant a larger trial to better understand the potential benefits of such programs for patients with PAF.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2021

Erschienen:

2021

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:2

Enthalten in:

Heart rhythm O2 - 2(2021), 4 vom: 13. Aug., Seite 326-332

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Dossett, Michelle L [VerfasserIn]
Needles, Emma W [VerfasserIn]
Donahue, Zachary [VerfasserIn]
Gadenne, Gillian [VerfasserIn]
Macklin, Eric A [VerfasserIn]
Ruskin, Jeremy N [VerfasserIn]
Denninger, John W [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Journal Article
Meditation
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Psychological resilience
Psychological stress
Quality of life

Anmerkungen:

Date Revised 26.04.2022

published: Electronic-eCollection

Citation Status PubMed-not-MEDLINE

doi:

10.1016/j.hroo.2021.06.003

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM329741659