Time to implement fitness and reduction of fatness in atrial fibrillation therapy

This editorial refers to ‘Self-reported physical activity and major adverse events in patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the EURObservational Research Programme Pilot Survey on Atrial Fibrillation (EORP-AF) General Registry’ by M. Proietti et al. , doi:10.1093/europace/euw150.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is not a benign condition and contributes importantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Until recently, only non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and vitamin K antagonist OACs have been associated with reduction of mortality, 1 but not rhythm control therapy.

Regular not-vigorous physical activity and respiratory cardiofitness are protective against cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. 2 , 3 Physical activity, especially vigorous exertion and endurance sports, however, has been associated with an increased risk of AF. 4 Yet, there is increasing evidence that moderate physical activity and cardiorespiratory...