Stress has been linked with poor health outcomes, though the exact mechanism remains poorly defined. Psychological stress is recognized as a contributing factor in atrial fibrillation (AFib), both in initiation and heightening of AFib. The diagnosis of AFib is often associated with increased anxiety, psychological distress and suicidal ideation. In a review paper published today in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology, potential mechanisms linking stress and AFib and the possible use of stress reduction in AFib management are explored.