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In epidemiologic studies, obesity is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, this association is confounded by the frequent coexistence of sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary disease, all of which are also associated with the risk for AF. In a sheep model from Australia, researchers have now focused on the effects of weight alone on the risk for AF and on the risk factors associated with AF. The investigators followed 10 sheep fattened to obesity (110 ± 9 kg) from birth until 36 weeks and then followed them for 36 more weeks and compared them with 10 lean sheep (60 ± 7 kg).
Multiple biological factors associated with AF were observed more frequently in the obese sheep. These factors included but were not limited to l…