Here is a summary of Atrial Fibrillation from Exercise For Health: Risk Factors, Exercise & Guidelines

1. Atrial fibrillation
Exercise For Health.

2. Q: What is atrial
fibrillation?

3. 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

4. Q: What are the risk
factors for atrial
fibrillation?

5. 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)

6. Q: Is endurance exercise a
risk factor for atrial
fibrillation?

7. 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

8. Q: What effect does
exercise training have on
patients with atrial
fibrillation?

9. 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

10. Q: What do guidelines
prescribe regarding
exercise for preventing
atrial fibrillation?

11. 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

12. Q: What do guidelines
prescribe regarding
exercise for treating atrial
fibrillation?

13. 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

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

15. Exercise For Health.