Emma Svennberg

Digital Strategies for AF Detection and Outcome Prevention

My research focuses on early detection and management of atrial fibrillation, using digital tools and risk-based strategies to prevent complications such as stroke and heart failure. By integrating clinical care, screening studies, and novel technologies, we aim to personalize AF detection and treatment to improve outcomes.

The early detection and treatment of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF), with the aim of preventing complications such as stroke and heart failure forms the core of the research of my group. I combine my work as an electrophysiologist at the Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, with clinical research rooted in real-world patient needs.

AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, affecting more than 3% of the adult population. It can be asymptomatic in up to 30% of cases, making early diagnosis challenging. Undetected AF significantly increases the risk of stroke—often leading to more severe outcomes than strokes unrelated to AF. Fortunately, oral anticoagulants, among the most effective preventive therapies in medicine, can dramatically reduce this risk when AF is detected in time.

My research has primarily focused on AF screening strategies, particularly systematic and digital approaches. I played a central role in the STROKESTOP I and II studies, which evaluated population-based screening for AF. I currently lead a research group dedicated to improving risk-based detection, diagnosis, and early management of AF, often in collaboration with digital health tools and artificial intelligence.

Ultimately, my work bridges clinical electrophysiology, public health, and innovation—driven by the belief that earlier detection and personalized intervention can reduce complications and improve quality of life for patients at risk.

More about me:
I am an MD, PhD, and Associate Professor (Docent) in Cardiology. I specialize in electrophysiology and have a strong interest in clinical innovation and digital health.

I currently serve as:

•  Executive Board member and Treasurer of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)
• Deputy Editor of EP Europace
• Steering Committee member of the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration
• Editor for ESC TV Today

My prior roles include:

• ESC Taskforce AF guidelines
• ESC Liaison Officer for the Digital Health Committee (2019–2022)
• Board member and m-Health Coordinator, EHRA (2018–2020)
• Chair, EHRA Digital Committee (2020–2022)
• Member, EHRA Scientific Programme Committee (2020–2024)

My PhD thesis, "Screening for atrial fibrillation in high-risk individuals – a stroke preventive effort", was completed at Karolinska Institutet in 2016. I am also a graduate of KI’s Research School in Epidemiology and have pursued training in teaching, leadership, and project management.

My research is centered on improving early detection and personalized management of atrial fibrillation (AF), with a strong focus on preventing AF-related complications such as stroke, heart failure, and hospitalizations. I explore both population-based and opportunistic screening strategies, with particular interest in the use of wearable and implantable technologies, digital health solutions, and artificial intelligence.

Key areas of interest include:

• Systematic and risk-based screening for AF in the general population
• Device-based detection of subclinical AF using ILRs, wearables, and ECG patches
• Digital innovation and AI for AF risk prediction and burden estimation
• Personalized prevention strategies to reduce stroke and adverse AF outcomes
• Implementation research on AF care pathways and clinical decision support

My work bridges clinical electrophysiology, digital health, and public health, with a translational perspective that seeks to integrate new technologies into real-world care

I am actively engaged in teaching, mentorship, and clinical training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. My teaching spans cardiology, electrophysiology, arrhythmias, and digital health, with a strong emphasis on integrating current research and clinical guidelines into medical education.

As Head of Specialty Training (ST-chef) in Cardiology at Karolinska University Hospital, I oversee structured training for residents and support the development of individualized learning plans. I also supervise PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, particularly within the fields of atrial fibrillation, screening, and digital cardiology.

In addition, I contribute to educational initiatives within the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), including congress sessions, training courses, and digital education platforms. I have completed formal training in pedagogy and academic leadership through Karolinska Institutet, including:

• Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2018)
• Leading Research Projects (2018)
• Research School in Epidemiology for Clinicians (2014–2016)

I strive to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and translational insight in my students—preparing the next generation of cardiologists and clinician-scientists.

Supervision to doctoral degree

• Jonatan Fernstad, Smartphone-based photoplethysmographic measurements for diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia, 2025
• Tove Hygrell, Implications of Brief Episodes of Atrial Fibrillation (Micro-AF), 2020
• Katrin Kemp Gudmundsdottir, SCREENING FOR SILENT CARDIAC DISEASE IN AN ELDERLY POPULATION AIMING AT STROKE REDUCTION, 2020