Personalized Care Focused on Lifestyle Factors May Lessen AFib Risk for Specific Individuals
Atrial fibrillation, often called A-fib or AFib, is the leading type of arrhythmia - an irregular heartbeat. This condition affects over people globally and is a significant risk factor for stroke.
More than just cardiovascular health factors like physical activity, diet, and smoking, the presence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea also increase the risk of A-fib.
A recent review pooled data from previous studies on lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors that might influence A-fib risk. The review points out the importance of a multidisciplinary, personalized approach in managing A-fib to reduce the risk of complications and death.
According to Dr. Stephen Tang, a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist, the comprehensive management of A-fib involves more than just 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.
Lifestyle changes and medications can help manage this heart condition. Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, can reduce the risk of blood clot formation and stroke. Drugs like warfarin and nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are commonly used as oral anticoagulants.
Physical activity, particularly moderate-to-vigorous training and high-intensity interval training, is associated with a lower risk of A-fib. Obesity, on the other hand, is a major risk factor for A-fib and its complications. While moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption is a risk factor for A-fib, the evidence on low levels of alcohol intake is mixed.
Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by partial or complete blockage of the airways during sleep, is estimated to occur in 21-74% of A-fib patients. Sleep apnea can increase the risk of A-fib recurrence after catheter ablation and can raise the risk of A-fib, stroke, and death.
Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure, hypertension, and cardiomyopathies, are at an increased risk of developing A-fib. Hypertension is one of the most well-known risk factors for A-fib patients, increasing the risk by 1.7-2.5 times.
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of A-fib incidence and complications. Achieving better control of blood glucose levels and reducing weight can help reduce the risk of A-fib.
While high total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, they are associated with a lower risk of A-fib. In contrast, higher levels of triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of A-fib.
Individuals with A-fib and kidney disease are more likely to show complications during catheter ablation and may require special considerations for anticoagulant therapy.
Respiratory conditions such as COPD are linked to a twofold higher risk of A-fib, and short-term exposure to air pollution has also been associated with an increased risk of A-fib.
While psychological factors like stress and depression are associated with an increased risk of A-fib, the mechanisms underlying this connection are not fully understood. Low socioeconomic status is associated with an increased risk of A-fib-related complications, possibly due to reduced access to healthcare and decreased health literacy.
The need for individualized care for A-fib is stressed due to the variety of factors influencing its onset and progression. A comprehensive approach that targets the unique risk factors for each patient is essential for effective A-fib management.
- The presence of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea also increase the risk of Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib), a significant risk factor for stroke.
- A recent review highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary, personalized approach in managing A-fib to reduce the risk of complications and death.
- According to Dr. Stephen Tang, the comprehensive management of A-fib involves more than just oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention or rate or rhythm control with medication or ablation.
- Blood thinners, or anticoagulants, can reduce the risk of blood clot formation and stroke in managing A-fib.
- Physical activity, particularly moderate-to-vigorous training and high-intensity interval training, is associated with a lower risk of A-fib.
- Obesity is a major risk factor for A-fib and its complications.
- While psychological factors like stress and depression are associated with an increased risk of A-fib, the mechanisms underlying this connection are not fully understood.
Furthermore, mental health, nutrition, and fitness and exercise play significant roles in maintaining cardiovascular health and managing chronic diseases like A-fib. Achieving better control of blood glucose levels, reducing weight, and improving health literacy can help reduce the risk of A-fib. Closer attention to these factors can contribute to the improved management of A-fib and the reduction in the number of related complications and deaths.
