Emma Svennberg

Emma Svennberg

Affiliated to Research | Docent
Visiting address: M 52, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm
Postal address: H7 Medicin, Huddinge, H7 ICCA Braunschweig, 171 77 Stockholm

About me

  • 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.

Research

  • 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

Teaching

  • 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.

Articles

All other publications

Grants

  • Swedish Research Council
    1 January 2023 - 31 December 2026
    Atrial fibrillation, the most common clinical arrhythmia in Sweden, has a substantially increased risk of stroke and death. Patients with atrial fibrillation often have several co-morbidities. Early detection of atrial fibrillation through screening, risk factor management and rhythm control can reduce the risk for unwanted outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. Screening programs for atrial fibrillation are targeted towards individuals at increased risk of stroke and based on an age cut-off. From previous screening studies a unique data base of &gt
    400 000 electrocardiograms (ECGs) from 13 000 individuals has been collected. Using machine learning, we aim to determine if we can increase the precision in determining who will benefit the most from atrial fibrillation screening, both with regards to arrhythmia detection, but also by determining who will be at highest risk for atrial fibrillation-associated mortality and morbidity. Patients with atrial fibrillation benefit from early heart rhythm management. In interventional management of atrial fibrillation using ablation increased body mass index and high blood pressure increase the risk of having a repeat procedure. We propose to co-design a digital tool to intervene on these simple risk factors and study the effects of digital intervention in a randomised controlled trial with the aim to reduce the need for repeat interventions.The results have the potential to impact detection and management of atrial fibrillation.
  • Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation
    1 January 2021 - 31 December 2023

Employments

  • Affiliated to Research, Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, 2024-2027

Degrees and Education

  • Docent, Karolinska Institutet, 2023
  • Degree Of Doctor Of Philosophy, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 2016
  • University Medical Degree, Karolinska Institutet, 2004

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