A Precision Medicine Approach to the Prevention of Depression in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

The purpose of the proposed project is to test a new therapist-assisted, eHealth intervention (HOPE-AF) targeted to prevent depression in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Age is the most common risk factor for AF, and given the ageing of the population, the prevalence of AF has increased threefold during the last 50 years. AF is now considered a major public health challenge. AF is not only associated with increased risk of stroke and heart failure but patients with AF also tend to continuously focus on the body's signals and have difficulties accepting the disease. This is often paired with psychological reactions, such as excessive worry and anxiety, increasing the risk of withdrawal from social activities, which often leads to depression. Patients with AF and comorbid depression are at greater risk of a poor prognosis. The project is a feasibility study to examine acceptability, adherence and limited efficacy, as well as barriers and facilitators for implementation of the intervention in clinical practice. The project is multi-disciplinary and embedded within the rehabilitation setting in the hospitals, enhancing the chance of later implementation.