SMART Program for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Mind-body practices that elicit the relaxation response (RR) have been used worldwide to
prevent and treat disease. The Stress Management and Resiliency Training - Relaxation
Response Resiliency Program (SMART-3RP) is an 8-week manualized psycho-educational program
that incorporates RR methods such as meditation or seated yoga along with cognitive skills
building and lifestyle approaches to increase resiliency to stress. This study will use a
randomized, wait-list controlled trial design to test the effects of the SMART-3RP on quality
of life (QoL), mental health, arrhythmia burden, and HRV in patients with PAF. The program
will be delivered virtually (via computer video conferencing), questionnaires will be
completed, and physiological data as well as blood will be collected.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosed with documented recurrent symptomatic PAF.

- Currently on stable medical therapy for AF and willing to continue on the same
treatment regimen while participating in the study.

- No current daily practice of yoga, meditation, guided imagery or other techniques that
elicit the RR.

- Able to provide informed consent and to understand written and spoken English.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Allergy to adhesives that prevents wearing the HRV monitor.

- Patients unable or unwilling to participate in an intervention delivered via video
conferencing.

- End Stage renal failure or heart failure, severe unstable medical or psychiatric
disease.

- Patients deemed unable to complete protocol due to cognitive or other reasons.

- 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