New research has found that patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib) who get regular exercise may have a longer life expectancy. Compared to their sedentary counterparts, patients with the common heart rhythm problem can benefit by staying physically active.
In atrial fibrillation, the heart muscle quivers rather than contracting normally due to chaotic electrical impulses in the upper chambers. As a result, risk of stroke is caused by blood clots forming in the heart and traveling to the brain. Because of this, Afib patients are often prescribed blood thinners to reduce the risk.
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Those with Afib often find it hard to exercise because exertion makes the heart race, leading to a drop in blood pressure that can lead to feeling faint. Patients also report feeling breathless even after performing low-intensity exercise and tire more quickly than those without Afib.
The study, led by Dr. Bjarne Nes of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim reported in the European Heart Journal found that among 1,100 adults with atrial fibrillation, those who got regular exercise were about 45% less likely to die of any cause or cardiovascular disease specifically compared to those who got little physical activity. The study followed participants over nine years and the average age was 72 at the beginning.
It was found that only one-third of the participants in the study got the minimum recommended amount of exercise for optimal health. This is considered 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity of physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.
Overall, 42% of the inactive participants died during the study as did 31% of participants who got some exercise but fell short of the recommended activity levels. Among those who did meet the recommended amount of exercise, 21% of people died.
The results of the study suggest that moderate exercise could help patients with atrial fibrillation live longer. This is not the first study to outline the importance of physical activity to help with various health problems. It has been shown that physically active people have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, lower body weight, and lower levels of stress. By lowering risk factors, it can help to protect patients from heart attacks, heart failure, and death.
Metabolic Equivalent of Task
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As part of the study, researchers also scored participants’ exercise levels and intensity based on a measure known as metabolic equivalent of task (MET) hours per week. It was shown that each additional MET hour per week was associated with a 12% lower risk of death from all causes and a 15% lower risk of death from cardiovascular causes.
Although this study was not meant to identify the ideal amount, type, or frequency of activity for people with Afib, the results do add to evidence suggesting that it can improve the outcomes for atrial fibrillation patients.
Dr. Jonathan Piccini, director of cardiac electrophysiology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina who was not involved in the study commented, “Another key message is that some exercise is better than no exercise. These are really important messages because exercise is a very powerful treatment that is highly cost-effective and leads to multiple benefits in addition to reduction in atrial fibrillation.”
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
