Weight Loss May Reduce Atrial Fibrillation in Obese Individuals

Weight loss may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in obesity sufferers. Obesity and lifestyle factors are associated with progression of atrial fibrillation which is a common heart rhythm disorder.

Weight loss may reduce or reverse atrial fibrillation (AF) in people who are obese, reports a new study. The findings of the study are published in the heart journal Europace.

The research team found that a 10% loss in weight along with management of associated risk factors, can reverse the progression of the disease. They studied 355 overweight or obese people who lost varying amounts of weight.

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‘Weight loss may reduce or reverse atrial fibrillation in obesity sufferers. Weight loss management and treating lifestyle factors can improve the quality of life in obese individuals.’

The research was led by the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders at the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).

"This is the first time that evidence has been found that if people who are obese and are suffering from atrial fibrillation the disease can be alleviated by losing weight and treating lifestyle factors," says lead author Melissa Middeldorp, a Ph.D. researcher from the University of Adelaide's Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), Australia's most common heart rhythm disorder, is a leading cause of stroke and can lead to heart failure. Millions of people around the world are diagnosed with this condition every year. Chest pain, a 'racing' or unusual heartbeat and shortness of breath are all symptoms of AF.

Atrial Fibrillation - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complication, Risks
Atrial fibrillation may not be life-threatening in itself but it is important to understand the causes, symptoms and treatments because of the risk of life-threatening complications.

"AF is a progressive disease in which initial short, intermittent symptoms develop into more sustained forms of the condition. Obesity and lifestyle factors are associated with its progression," says Ms. Middeldorp.

The number of overweight and obese adults has doubled over the past two decades, with Australia now being ranked as one of the fattest developed nations.

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"The study showed that if obese people lose more than 10% of their weight and subsequent management of other risks to their lifestyle, they can reverse the progression of the disease. People who lost weight experienced fewer symptoms, required less treatment and had better outcomes. Those who previously had sustained symptoms experienced only intermittent symptoms or indeed stopped experiencing AF entirely" says Ms. Middeldorp.

"Progression of the disease is shown to have a direct link with the degree of weight loss. Without weight loss, there is a progression of AF to more persistent forms of AF."

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Keeping weight under control can help reach the target goals of blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure. Even a modest amount of weight loss can help in managing lifestyle related conditions.

The Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders is led by Professor Prash Sanders, a world leader in atrial fibrillation research.

"This study shows that weight-loss and treating lifestyle factors is an essential component for effectively managing AF, in many instances being an alternative to surgery or drug intervention. Melissa's work has widespread implications for the management of this disease globally and is good news for people with the condition," says Professor Sanders.

"With record levels of obesity in Australia and most high-income countries, this study gives hope that obese people can have a better quality of life as well as reducing their dependence on health-care services if they lose weight."

Source-Eurekalert