Atrial fibrillationExercise For Health.

Q: What is atrialfibrillation?

A: Atrial fibrillation is a common form

of cardiac arrhythmia that often leads

to an increased and/or irregular

heartbeat and/or low blood pressure

Q: What are the riskfactors for atrial

fibrillation?

A: The main lifestyle risk factors for atrial fibrillation

are obesity, metabolic syndrome, high pulse

pressure, high blood pressure and hypertension,

atherosclerosis, sleep apnea, long-term alcohol

consumption, stress, and certain personality traits

(type A behaviour, anger and hostility)

Q: Is endurance exercise arisk factor for atrial

fibrillation?

A: The relationship between endurance exercise and the

risk of developing atrial fibrillation is complex. Some

evidence suggests the mode of exercise (e.g. running or

cycling), the intensity and the volume may be important

modifying factors for any association. Running, high-

intensity exercise, and large amounts of exercise seem

somewhat associated with an increased risk of

developing atrial fibrillation. However, low-intensity

physical activity is less well-correlated

Q: What effect doesexercise training have on

patients with atrialfibrillation?

A: Exercise can lead to significant

improvements in rate control,

functional capacity, muscular strength

and power, activities of daily living, and

quality of life in individuals with atrial

fibrillation

Q: What do guidelinesprescribe regarding

exercise for preventingatrial fibrillation?

A: Since other non-communicable diseases are risk

factors for atrial fibrillation, a prevention protocol

should include exercise. However, large amounts of

vigorous endurance exercise are also associated with

an increased risk. Thus, guidelines suggest that at-

risk populations limit vigorous aerobic exercise to

<40 minutes per day

Q: What do guidelinesprescribe regarding

exercise for treating atrialfibrillation?

A: Since exercise can lead to significant

improvements in rate control, functional capacity,

muscular strength and power, activities of daily

living, and quality of life in individuals with atrial

fibrillation, it may be useful. However, guidelines

recommend its use only in certain circumstances,

and only as advised by a physician

For more information:www.exercise-for-health/atrial-fibrillation

Exercise For Health.