Reducing stress may play a role in managing atrial fibrillation (AFib), new research has found.
AFib is a heart condition that causes an irregular heartbeat and abnormally fast heart rate and is a factor into up to one in five strokes in the UK.
Stress is recognised as a contributor to AFib, both in initiating and the heightening the condition.
“We are seeing that psychological stress and even negative emotions are associated with initiation and potentiation of AFib,” said senior study author Peter Kistler, MBBS, PhD, Head of Clinical Electrophysiology Research at Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and Head of Electrophysiology at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.
“By recognising stress as a potentially modifiable risk factor in these patients builds on a more holistic approach to AFib management.
“As such, targeted stress reduction may improve symptom perception and outcomes for patients with AFib.”
The researchers analysed studies on the role of stress in atrial fibrillation, as well as modifying risk factors.
The review also looked at the bidirectional nature of the relationship between AFib and stress.
According to the study, stress and negative emotions are often linked to modifiable risk factors, with individuals experiencing chronic stress often more likely to drink, smoke or be physically inactive.
These risk factors can contribute to worsening symptoms in AFib patients, the researchers found.
The researchers concluded that more research was needed into potential stress-management interventions to help mitigate AFib, such as anxiolytic and antidepressant therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction and yoga.
Meanwhile, experts should work to establish standardised methods of detecting and quantifying stress, with randomised controlled trials to better evaluate the impact of stress reduction on AFib management.
Kistler said:
“Clinicians must recognise and address the psychosocial implications of an AFib diagnosis by providing patient education and reassurance in tandem with conventional interventions to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
“By considering the impact of stress on illness perception, recognizing and mitigating stress may reduce symptoms and distress, enhance resilience and modify health behaviours to improve outcomes.”
