Can mindfulness calm an irregular heartbeat? small study says maybe

NCT ID NCT02133365

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder atrial fibrillation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANXIETY ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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