Personalized Care Focusing on Lifestyle Factors May Decrease Afib Risk
The most common arrhythmia worldwide, Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), impacts over 33 million individuals globally. Beyond typical cardiovascular health risk factors such as physical activity, diet, and smoking, other chronic conditions also increase the risk of AFib.
These conditions include diabetes, obesity, and a range of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and mental health disorders. Research, published in various journals, underscores the importance of multidisciplinary, individualized care to manage AFib and reduce the risk of death and other health complications.
In an interview with Medical News Today, Dr. Stephen Tang, a cardiac electrophysiologist, emphasized that managing AFib requires more than just stroke prevention or heart rate control. He stated, "The comprehensive management of AFib goes well beyond oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention or rate or rhythm control with medication or ablation."
To reduce the risk of AFib, lifestyle modifications and medications can be beneficial. Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are critical in reducing the risk of blood clot formation and stroke. Today, nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have become the first-line treatment for AFib.
Physical activity is a significant factor in AFib risk. Regular exercise, including moderate-to-vigorous training and high-intensity interval training, can reduce morbidity and improve the quality of life for individuals with AFib. However, evidence supporting the role of physical activity in preventing stroke is not as strong.
Obesity is another risk factor for AFib. Weight loss can help reduce the risk of AFib recurrence and its complications. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are also associated with an increased risk of AFib.
Several chronic health conditions can occur alongside AFib, increasing the risk of complications and adverse events. These include obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes. Proper management and treatment of these conditions can help reduce the risk of AFib recurrence or complications like stroke.
Obstructive sleep apnea affects breathing during sleep and is prevalent in 21-74% of AFib patients. The use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to manage sleep apnea can lower the risk of AFib incidence, recurrence, or progression.
Managing and treating comorbid conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, can help reduce the risk of AFib recurrence or complications such as stroke. However, caution is needed when using anticoagulants in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for coronary artery disease due to the risk of bleeding.
While the presence of multiple medications increases the risk of adverse effects and drug-drug interactions, nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are associated with fewer adverse events than warfarin in AFib patients and can be used judiciously after taking precautions.
Socioeconomic factors and access to healthcare can also influence the management of AFib and comorbid conditions. In addition, certain demographic groups, such as individuals of South Asian and African origins, might have lower or higher risks of AFib compared to whites. In terms of sex, men are more likely to develop AFib, but women are at a higher risk of complications, including stroke and mortality.
Due to the multiple factors influencing AFib, a personalized, multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal results. Dr. Nikhil Warrier, a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist, explained, "The underlying risk factors that increase the likelihood of poor AF-related outcomes can be different between every patient." Proper management strategies and treatments for AFib depend on the persistence of the arrhythmia, age, and other modifiable risk factors.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is a global issue, affecting over 33 million people, with risk factors extending beyond typical cardiovascular health factors to include various chronic conditions.
- These conditions include diabetes, obesity, and a range of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and mental health disorders, as highlighted in numerous research publications.
- Dr. Stephen Tang, a cardiac electrophysiologist, emphasized that AFib management goes beyond traditional stroke prevention and heart rate control strategies.
- To reduce AFib risk, lifestyle modifications, medications, and proper management of comorbid conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes, are crucial.
- Blood thinners, especially nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), are critical for reducing the risk of blood clot formation and stroke.
- Regular exercise, including moderate-to-vigorous training and high-intensity interval training, can improve the quality of life for individuals with AFib, although evidence supporting its role in stroke prevention is not strong.
- Certain demographic groups, such as South Asians and Africans, may have different AFib risks compared to whites, whereas women are at a higher risk of AFib complications, including stroke and mortality.
- Due to the complexities of AFib and its associated factors, a personalized, multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal results in managing this condition.
