- New research suggests that exercise may help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib).
- Better exercise performance has been associated with lower atrial fibrillation rates, but even a simple daily walk can help.
- The findings also suggest that exercise may further reduce stroke risk beyond that associated with atrial fibrillation.
A daily walk may help reduce the risk of heart rhythm disturbances, also known as atrial fibrillation (AFib), and stroke.
According to it is new the study has been announced in European College of Cardiology August 25-28.
Data from over 15,000 individuals with no history of atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) who underwent exercise treadmill testing between 2003 and 2012 were analyzed. Better exercise performance was found to reduce AF rates, but even a simple daily walk may help.
Specifically, participants were assigned to three fitness levels, low (<8.57 METs), moderate (8.57–10.72), and high (>10.72), depending on the metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved during the treadmill test. was divided into
Five-year atrial fibrillation-free survival rates were 97.1%, 98.4%, and 98.4% in the low-, intermediate-, and high-fitness groups, respectively.
“Athletic capacity is determined by many factors, including age, morbidity, and cardiopulmonary fitness,” said study author Dr. Shih Hsien Song, associate professor at National Yang Ming Jiaotong University in Taipei, Taiwan.
“The study results showed that subjects with achieved METs below 6–9 were at risk of developing AF. Given that morbidity and physical fitness are modifiable risk factors, simply daily Encouraging gait training may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation,” Sung added.
Sung also pointed out that their findings show that exercise capacity may further reduce stroke risk beyond AF-related risks.
American Heart Association (AHA)
Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. It can lead to other heart complications such as:
“As an electrophysiologist, this is something we discuss with all our patients as part of preventive lifestyle modifications and, in the case of atrial fibrillation patients, for the management of atrial arrhythmias,” he said. . Dr. Nikhil Warrioris a cardiac electrophysiologist and medical director of electrophysiology at the Memorial Care Heart & Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.
Warrior said the findings were consistent with what was presented in the paper.
“Interestingly, precious body literary showing Participating in endurance exercise paradoxically increases the risk of developing atrial fibrillation,” said Warrior.
Dr. Ernst von SchwarzPh.D., cardiologist, professor of medicine at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and author ofthe secret of immortality“These observational data support the benefits of exercise for cardiovascular health, even though the data are not from prospective, controlled, randomized studies.”
Overall, physical activity can lead to weight loss, improved lipid (fat in the blood) profile, blood pressure and blood sugar control, which may lead to a reduced incidence of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and heart failure, said Warrior. explained.
“These are all risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation, so reducing the incidence of these risk factors may also reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation,” said Dr. Warrior.
Von Schwartz said the study confirms what cardiologists have been preaching for decades: exercise is good.
“The reasons for this are not fully understood, but perhaps regular physical activity keeps the blood vessels elastic, and exercise makes the heart more regulated, leading to degenerative heart disease (arrhythmia development). ),” Von Schwartz told Healthline.
“If you already have heart disease, it’s important to discuss it with your healthcare provider,” warned Warrior.
However, even if you have never had a cardiac event, it can be helpful to work with your health care provider or personal fitness trainer before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have a complicated physical health condition.
Warrior said it’s important to keep in mind that the exact recommendations for people trying to start exercising for specific heart health reasons will vary from person to person. Therefore, it’s important not to compare your particular routine to the intensity of others.
“The first step is to assess your physical fitness. If you’re not very active, your goal is to do slow, moderate-intensity cardio for up to 30 minutes four to five days a week,” he says. says Warrior.
Incorporating strength training is also recommended, he added.
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Aerobic exercise includes any activity that raises your heart rate enough to change the amount of oxygen flowing through your blood, organs, and muscle groups, such as:
- walk
- jogging
- swimming
- cycling
The guidelines also suggest adding at least two additional days of strength-building activities each week, including strength training with resistance bands, free weights, and weight machines.
New research suggests that exercise can help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation.
Improved exercise performance has been found to be associated with lower atrial fibrillation rates, but even a simple daily walk can help.
The findings also suggest that exercise may further reduce stroke risk beyond that associated with atrial fibrillation.
