Does Weight Loss Lessen Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms in Obese Patients?

AF burden was lowered in obese patients who lost at least 10% of their body weight during 4 years.

Investigators have documented an association between high prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity, but how does obesity contribute to AF, and does weight loss lessen this risk? Two studies, one in humans and one in animals, shed light on this issue.

Researchers in Australia evaluated 355 overweight or obese adults with AF (body-mass index, ≥27 kg/m²); participants were offered weight-management assistance. At 4 years, 135 patients lost ≥10% of body weight (group 1), 103 lost 3% to 9% (group 2), and 117 lost <3% (group 3). AF burden as monitored by ambulatory monitoring and symptom severity both decreased significantly more from baseline in group 1 than in group 2 or group 3. Arrhythmia-free survival was also highest in group 1, ev…

Reviewing Author

Kirsten E. Fleischmann, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology/American Heart Association

Kirsten E. Fleischmann, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology/American Heart Association

Does Weight Loss Lessen Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms in Obese Patients?

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Reviewing Author