![\"electrocardiogram\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/atrial-fibrillation_500x500.jpg\")
\nAtrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world, and causes great stress to people who live with it.<\/p>\n
\n 24 October 2025
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\nAtrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world, and causes great stress to people who live with it.<\/p>\n
A new University of South Australia study will aim to ease the emotional stress experienced by thousands of Australians living with atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world.<\/p>\n
Backed by a 2026 Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant<\/a>, the research team led by UniSA Professor Hannah Keage will co-design and test Australia\u2019s first psychological support program tailored specifically for people with AF.<\/p>\n The $150,000 project, which also involves researchers from the University of Adelaide and Flinders University, seeks to reduce anxiety \u2013 a symptom that affects up to one in three patients.<\/p>\n \u201cAtrial fibrillation can be unpredictable and frightening,\u201d says Prof Keage.<\/p>\n \u201cMany patients live with constant worries about AF symptoms recurring and progressing, as well as the risk of stroke or heart failure. Yet, despite this heavy emotional burden, there are currently no psychological support programs designed for AF patients in Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n AF affects millions of people worldwide and substantially increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks and even dementia.<\/p>\n Beyond these physical health consequences, patients often experience significant anxiety, depression and distress.<\/p>\n While psychological therapies have proven effective for other cardiac conditions such as coronary heart disease and heart failure, no studies have yet tested similar interventions in AF patients.<\/p>\n \u201cBy providing practical education, cognitive and mindfulness strategies, and emotional regulation techniques, the program aims to help participants better understand their condition and manage worries,\u201d Prof Keage says.<\/p>\n The two-year project, to start in 2026, will be led under the Adelaide University<\/a> banner, with the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide joining forces to become Australia\u2019s new major university – which will open next year.<\/p>\n The project will use a co-production model to ensure the program reflects the real needs of AF patients. Researchers will collaborate closely with people living with the condition, as well as cardiologists, nurses and allied health professionals, to shape the program\u2019s design and content.<\/p>\n Feedback from patients earlier this year found that most receive very little information about the emotional impacts of AF, with many describing they felt alone and in \u201csurvival mode\u201d, struggling with the unpredictability of symptoms and worrying about their long-term health.<\/p>\n \u201cConsumers told us they want information, reassurance and practical tools,\u201d Prof Keage says. \u201cThey need to know what\u2019s normal, how to respond to symptoms, and how to live confidently with AF.\u201d<\/p>\n Once developed, the intervention will be trialled with 30 patients recruited through the Cardiovascular Centre in Adelaide, Whyalla and Port Lincoln.<\/p>\n \u201cImproving psychological health doesn\u2019t just make patients feel better. It can also improve their treatment compliance, reduce their symptoms and better support their long-term heart health. The research has the potential to change how we care for AF patients across Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n Contacts for interview: <\/p>\n Researcher contact: Professor Hannah Keage E: hannah.keage@unisa.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n