Personalized Care Focusing on Lifestyle Factors May Decrease Atrial Fibrillation Risk
Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, affecting over individuals globally. Besides well-known risk factors linked to heart health – like low physical activity, obesity, and smoking – chronic conditions, such as diabetes and various mental health disorders, also boost AFib risk.
A recent review highlighted lifestyle factors, comorbid conditions, and socioeconomic factors that may impact the risk of acquiring AFib. The review indicated that a multidisciplinary, personalized approach is necessary for effective AFib management and reducing the risk of death and other health problems.
Dr. Stephen Tang, a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist, explained to Medical News Today, "The comprehensive management of AFib goes beyond oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention or rate or rhythm control with medication or ablation. This complex disease is driven by numerous risk factors and comorbidities."
Physical activity is crucial in reducing AFib risk. Regular exercise and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can lower risk and improve quality of life for those with AFib, although studies haven't shown strong evidence supporting a role in preventing stroke.
Obesity significantly increases AFib risk and recurrence, complications during ablation, stroke, and mortality. Weight loss can, therefore, reduce the risk of AFib recurrence and adverse outcomes.
Smoking and moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption are risk factors for AFib. Moderate alcohol intake may even have mixed effects on AFib risk.
Many chronic conditions, like obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, metabolic conditions, kidney disease, respiratory conditions, and mental health disorders, are both risk factors for AFib and can increase complications associated with the condition.
Proper management of underlying conditions may help reduce AFib recurrence and complications, such as stroke or heart failure, and improve overall outcomes.
Since individuals with AFib often have multiple chronic conditions, the need for multiple medications arises. The use of more than five medications, known as polypharmacy, can increase the risk of adverse effects and drug-drug interactions.
While sex, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity/race can influence the risk of AFib, the approach to AFib management should be tailored to each individual. A personalized strategy account for unique risk factors, comorbidities, and lifestyle choices.
- The comprehensive management of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) involves more than just oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention or controlling the heart rate with medication or ablation.
- A recent review suggests that a multidisciplinary, personalized approach is crucial for effective AFib management and reducing the risk of death and health problems.
- Dr. Stephen Tang, a cardiac electrophysiologist, emphasizes that AFib is driven by numerous risk factors and comorbidities.
- Physical activity is essential in reducing AFib risk, and regular exercise, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can lower the risk and improve quality of life for those with AFib.
- Obesity significantly increases AFib risk and recurrence, complications during ablation, stroke, and mortality, making weight loss a potential solution for reducing AFib risk.
- Smoking and moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption are risk factors for AFib, with moderate alcohol intake potentially having mixed effects on AFib risk.
- Various chronic conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, mental health disorders, and kidney disease, are both risk factors for AFib and can increase the complications associated with the condition.
- Personalized strategies considering unique risk factors, comorbidities, and lifestyle choices are necessary for managing AFib, as individuals with the condition often have multiple chronic conditions that may require multiple medications, increasing the risk of adverse effects and drug-drug interactions.
