Psychological problems in patients with atrial fibrillation

Summary Introduction. Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Epidemiological studies show that 1-2% of the global population of adults suffer from atrial fibrillation and the number is growing. Mortality among patients with atrial fibrillation is twice as high as in patients with normal sinus rhythm. Thromboembolic complications such as ischemic stroke are much more common too. Also transient cerebral ischemia is from two to seven times more frequent as in people who do not suffer from atrial fibrillation. This is the background which should be considered in analyzing psychological situation of patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. Aim. Analysis of mental functioning of patients with atrial fibrillation. Material and methods. A group of 137 patients was selected from 2337 patients who were treated for atrial fibrillation at the Cardiology Clinic of the Medical University of Lublin in 2014. Patients who were admitted to this study required psychological support. During the treatment the clinical data were obtained which allowed to analyse the mental function- ing of patients provided with psychological therapy and support. Results. Psychological therapy and support is required by patients with severe symp- toms of anxiety, restlessness, insecurity and depressed mood. Special psychological therapy was also required by patients with complications of underlying disease. Special psychological therapy approach is required by a group of patients qualified for modern, invasive methods of atrial fibrillation treatment such as percutaneous ablation. Conclusions. Psychological support provided to patients with atrial fibrillation should include: 1. controlling negative emotions experienced by patients in their illness, espe- cially fear of pain, possible complications and fear of death, 2. psychoeducation of pa- tients concerning methods of coping with pain, anxiety and other unpleasant experiences, 3. strengthening psychological resilience and patient's motivation to become involved in the treatment and cooperate with doctors and psychologists. Streszczenie