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

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