Person-Tailored Treatment Emphasizing Lifestyle Changes May Reduce A-Fib Risk
Atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of arrhythmia, carries a global prevalence exceeding. Besides well-known cardiovascular risk factors like physical activity, diabetes, obesity, and smoking, the presence of chronic conditions—including cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and mental health issues—spike the risk of AFib.
Recent research highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary, individualized approach for AFib treatment and management, accounting for multiple risk factors and comorbidities as well as socioeconomic factors.
In an interview with Medical News Today, Dr. Stephen Tang, a renowned cardiac electrophysiologist, emphasized that AFib is influenced by numerous risk factors and comorbidities, stating, "Comprehensive management of atrial fibrillation goes beyond oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention or rate or rhythm control with medication or ablation."
Genetic factors, sex, and age are unchangeable AFib risk factors. However, other risk factors include lifestyle choices, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors. Blood thinners (anticoagulants), nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers are some medications that can help manage AFib.
Physical activity is a crucial factor impacting AFib risk, with regular moderate-to-vigorous training lowering the risk of this condition. Conversely, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption boost the chances of developing AFib.
Obstructive sleep apnea, a Sleep-related breathing disorder, occurs in 21-74% of AFib patients, increasing the risk of blood clot formation and changing heart structural and electrical properties. Renowned expert Dr. Nikhil Warrier advises that a tailored, multidisciplinary treatment approach considering each patient's unique factors is key to successfully managing AFib.
In addition to lifestyle modifications and medications, various comorbid conditions linked with AFib include hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic pulmonary diseases. Effective management of these conditions can help reduce AFib recurrence and complications.
A recent review concluded an increased risk of AFib incidents and severity due to poor lifestyle factors and highlighted the role of socioeconomic factors in AFib management. Dr. Yehoshua Levine stated that the optimal management of AFib necessitates consideration of various clinical, socioeconomic, and demographic factors.
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is influenced by numerous risk factors and comorbidities, beyond just oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention or rate or rhythm control with medication or ablation.
- Genetic factors, sex, and age are unchangeable AFib risk factors, while lifestyle choices, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors are modifiable.
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants), nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers are some medications that can help manage AFib.
- Regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can lower the risk of AFib, whereas obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can boost the chances of developing AFib.
- Obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep-related breathing disorder, is linked with a higher risk of AFib incidents and is present in 21-74% of AFib patients.
- Effective management of comorbid conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic pulmonary diseases can help reduce AFib recurrence and complications.
- A personalized, multidisciplinary treatment approach that considers each patient's unique factors is crucial for successfully managing AFib.
- Recent research underlines the importance of socioeconomic factors in AFib management, as poor lifestyle choices and critical considerations of clinical, socioeconomic, and demographic factors can affect the risk of AFib incidents and their severity.
