From the Guidelines
Atrial fibrillation (AF) modifiable risk factors include obesity, lack of fitness, hypertension, sleep apnea, alcohol, and diabetes.
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Obesity: is a significant modifiable risk factor for AF, with a population attributable fraction of 12.7%–16.9% 1. Weight loss in overweight or obese patients with AF has been shown to reduce AF symptoms, burden, recurrence, and progression 1.
- Lack of fitness: or a sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of AF, while guideline-recommended physical activity can decrease the risk 1.
- Hypertension: is a well-established modifiable risk factor for AF, with elevated blood pressure increasing the risk of AF 1. Intensive blood pressure control to systolic blood pressure < 120 mm Hg in patients with hypertension at high risk for cardiovascular disease can decrease the risk of AF 1.
- Sleep apnea: is a modifiable risk factor for AF, and addressing underlying sleep apnea as part of a comprehensive risk factor modification program can improve AF outcomes 1.
- Alcohol: consumption is a modifiable risk factor for AF, with a dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and AF risk 1. Alcohol avoidance or reduction as part of a comprehensive risk factor modification program can decrease AF burden, symptoms, and progression 1.
- Diabetes: is a modifiable risk factor for AF, and managing diabetes as part of a comprehensive risk factor modification program can improve AF outcomes 1.
Additional Modifiable Risk Factors
- Smoking: is a modifiable risk factor for AF, with current smoking increasing the risk of AF 1.
- Physical inactivity: or a sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of AF, while regular physical activity can decrease the risk 1.
From the Research
Modifiable Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
The following are modifiable risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF):
- Obesity 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Hypertension 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Hypercholesterolemia 2
- Diabetes mellitus 2, 3, 5, 6
- Smoking 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 2
- Alcohol consumption 2, 5
- Sedentary lifestyle 2, 3, 5, 6
- Obstructive sleep apnea 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Insomnia 4
- Daytime naps 4
- Apnea 4
- Moderate to vigorous physical activity 4
- Coffee consumption 4
- Lower HDL levels 4
Lifestyle-Dependent Factors
These lifestyle-dependent factors rarely exist in isolation, but rather exist together, exerting a complex influence on the development of AF 2.
Prevention Strategies
Targeted prevention strategies, such as integrated care, nurse-led care, and mobile health, have been discussed in the context of lifestyle improvement 2, 3. Additionally, addressing modifiable risks may be effective for primary and secondary AF prevention 3.