Can eye movements heal trauma after a heart attack?

NCT ID NCT04672551

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether EMDR, a therapy that uses guided eye movements, can help people with PTSD caused by a heart attack. Sixty adults who had a heart attack and developed PTSD will receive eight weekly EMDR sessions. The goal is to see if EMDR reduces PTSD symptoms and might also lower the risk of future heart problems.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

EMDR therapy (a type of talk therapy using eye movements)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide an effective first-line treatment for PTSD after a heart attack, potentially improving both mental and heart health.

What could go wrong

This is a small early trial with only 60 people, so results may not apply to everyone. EMDR may not reduce PTSD symptoms more than standard care, and benefits for heart health are speculative.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

myocardial infarction post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University Hospital Zurich

    RECRUITING

    Zurich, Switzerland

    Contact