The effect of enhanced external counterpulsation on anxiety and depression in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a randomized controlled trial

作者：Fengqin Yang, Yan Zhang, Yu Jiang, Qinfei Wei, Cheng Xiao, Jingwen Xiao, Geng Chen · 发表于：Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3389/fcvm.2025.1548839 · 被引用次数：2 · 研究领域：Pain Management and Treatment、Cardiac Health and Mental Health、Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) on anxiety and depression in patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF). Methods: = 50) in this randomized controlled trial. The control group received conventional antiarrhythmic therapy with β-blockers or propafenone, and the EECP group underwent EECP therapy in conjunction with pharmacological treatment. The EECP therapy protocol consisted of 60-min sessions, conducted five times per week over a four-week period. Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac ultrasound-related indexes, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: After the intervention, the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, LVEDD and LAD of the two groups decreased significantly compared to the pre-intervention period, the LVEF was higher than before intervention, and the systolic blood pressure, LVEF, LVEDD, and LAD of the EECP group were significantly better than those of the control group. Anxiety and depression indicators were lower in both groups than before the intervention, and scores in the EECP group were significantly lower than those in the control group, suggesting that EECP significantly improved anxiety and depression levels. Conclusion: EECP, as a non-invasive treatment, is effective in improving anxiety and depression in patients with PAF.