Impact of the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program on Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Impact of the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program on Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

The purpose of this study is to determine if an eight week multimodal Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP) intervention can effectively improve symptom severity, frequency and quality of life (Q.O.L) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. This will be measured by a reduction in AF symptom score, perceived stress, anxiety, hostility and depression.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a very common cardiovascular disease. Symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fatigue and exercise intolerance. AF is also associated with a high risk of complications like thrombo-embolism and stroke, heart failure, dementia. The presence and severity of these symptoms and complications adversely affect a patient's health related quality of life. Improvement in quality of life (QOL) is an important measure for evaluating response to treatment in AF patients. Depression and anxiety are significant part of the psychosocial burden faced by approximately one-third of AF patients, and are important components that effect QOL in these patients. In this study the investigators will apply the 3RP (Relaxation Response Resiliency Program - developed at the Benson Henry Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital) intervention among AF patients to assess the reduction in their stress, anxiety and depression levels and the reduction in AF symptom burden and severity.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age: 18-90 years
2. Diagnosed with documented recurrent symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
3. Currently on stable medical therapy for AF and willing to continue on the same treatment regimen for 8 weeks while participating in the study.
4. No current or prior practice of yoga, meditation, guided imagery or other techniques that elicit relaxation response (RR).
5. Able to provide informed consent and to understand written and spoken English.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. End Stage renal failure or heart failure, severe unstable medical or psychiatric disease
2. Patients deemed unable to complete protocol due to cognitive or other reasons.
3. Patients on psychoactive medications will have eligibility determined by the PI or MD co-investigator on a case-by-case basis, and will be admitted to the study if medication is deemed stable