Adelaide Researchers to Tackle Hidden Emotional Toll of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common heart rhythm disorder worldwide, affects millions of people globally, substantially increasing the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and dementia. Despite its physical health consequences, patients often experience significant anxiety, depression, and distress. A new University of South Australia study aims to ease the emotional stress experienced by thousands of Australians living with AF by developing a psychological support program tailored specifically for these patients. Backed by a 2026 Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant, the research team, led by UniSA Professor Hannah Keage, will co-design and test the program, which seeks to reduce anxiety that affects up to one in three patients.

Key Takeaways:

• The University of South Australia study, backed by a 2026 Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant, aims to develop a psychological support program tailored for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in Australia.
• AF affects up to one in three patients with anxiety, with millions of people worldwide experiencing significant physical health consequences, including stroke, heart attacks, and dementia.
• The program, led by UniSA Professor Hannah Keage, will be co-designed and tested to provide practical education, cognitive and mindfulness strategies, and emotional regulation techniques to aid participants in managing worries and understanding their condition.
• The two-year project, starting in 2026, will involve researchers from the University of Adelaide and Flinders University, with 30 patients to be recruited for the trial.
• The program aims to improve treatment compliance, reduce symptoms, and better support long-term heart health, with potential to change care for AF patients across Australia.
• Feedback from patients earlier this year indicated a need for information, reassurance, and practical tools, with many feeling alone and in "survival mode" due to the unpredictability of symptoms.

Statistics:

• 1 in 3 patients with atrial fibrillation experience anxiety.
• Up to 1 million people in Australia live with AF.
• AF increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and dementia.
• The 2026 Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant will fund a $150,000 project to develop the psychological support program.

Sources:

• University of South Australia release, "Adelaide researchers to tackle hidden emotional toll of heart rhythm disorder"
• Original text available at: https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2025/adelaide-researchers-to-tackle-hidden-emotional-toll--of-heart-rhythm-disorder/