Good physical fitness reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke
Maintaining physical fitness was associated with a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation, stroke and serious adverse cardiovascular events. The probability of avoiding the development of atrial fibrillation over five years was 97.1% in the low physical endurance group and 98.4% in the moderate and high fitness groups.Researchers from National Chao Tung University in Taiwan evaluated the effect of physical fitness on the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation and stroke. The results of the study are published on the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) website.
A 1 MET increase in endurance was associated with an 8% reduction in the risk of atrial fibrillation, a 12% reduction in the risk of stroke, and a 14% reduction in the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events.
They analyzed data from 15,450 people without a history of atrial fibrillation. The mean age of the study participants was 55 years. Physical fitness was assessed using the Bruce protocol based on the results of a functional test on a graded treadmill. Endurance was calculated in metabolic equivalents (MET), corresponding to a unit of resting oxygen consumption (1 MET is equivalent to 3.5 ml O2/kg/min).
The authors divided the participants into three groups based on fitness level: low (less than 8.57 MET), intermediate (8.57-10.72), and high (greater than 10.72).
During 10 years of follow-up, the incidence of atrial fibrillation, stroke, myocardial infarction, and death was assessed in relation to fitness level. Age, sex, cholesterol level, renal function, history of stroke, presence of hypertension, and medication intake were taken into account in the analysis. In total, atrial fibrillation was diagnosed in 3.3% of participants (515 participants).
The probability of being free of atrial fibrillation at five years was 97.1% in the low exercise tolerance group and 98.4% in the moderate and high exercise tolerance groups.