Can mindfulness calm an irregular heartbeat? small study says maybe
NCT ID NCT02133365
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested a short mindfulness and exposure therapy program in 13 adults with atrial fibrillation who also had high anxiety sensitivity. The goal was to see if the therapy could reduce heart-related anxiety, symptom burden, and AFib episodes. Participants attended 4-5 individual therapy sessions. The study measured changes in cardiac symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
mindfulness and interoceptive exposure therapy
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to help people with atrial fibrillation feel less anxious and have fewer heart symptoms.
What could go wrong
This was a very small early study with only 13 people and no comparison group, so the results may not apply to everyone. The therapy requires several long sessions, which may not be practical for all patients.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States