Effects of short-term exercise training on symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation

The impact of lifestyle factors on atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF), with its significant associated morbidity and mortality contributes to significant healthcare utilisation and expenditure. Given its progressively rising incidence, strategies to limit AF development and progression are urgently needed. Lifestyle modification is a potentially potent but underutilised weapon against the AF epidemic. The purpose of this article is to review the role of lifestyle factors as risk factors for AF, outline potential mechanisms of pathogenesis and examine the available evidence for lifestyle intervention in primary and secondary AF prevention. It will also highlight the need for investment by physicians, researchers, health services and governments in order to facilitate delivery of the comprehensive, multidisciplinary AF care that is required to manage this complex and multifactorial disease.

A New Player in the Game: Can Exergame Be of Support in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia, currently affecting 2-3% of the world's population. Traditional exercise and physical activity interventions have been successfully implemented in the management of AF, with the aim of improving patients' quality of life and their exercise capacity, as well as reducing their mortality rate. Currently, new technology-mediated approaches to exercise, defined as exergame, have been shown to be successful in the delivery of exercise home-based interventions in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, data on the effects of exergame on AF are not yet available. In this paper, we summarise the current literature on the role of traditional exercise in AF and how it affects the pathophysiology of this condition. We also review the current literature on exergame and its employment in cardiac rehabilitation and suggest its potential role in the management of AF patients. A review of the evidence suggests that traditional exercise (of light-to-moderate intensity) is beneficial in patients with AF. Additionally, exergame seems to be a promising approach for delivering exercise interventions in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Exergame may be a promising tool to improve the quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with AF, with the additional advantage of being remotely delivered, and the potential to increase patients' engagement. Proper guidelines are required to prescribe exergame interventions, considering the principles of traditional exercise prescription and applying them to this new e-health approach. Further studies are needed to validate the use of exergame in patients with AF.

Effects of different exercise methods and intensities on the incidence and prognosis of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice, exhibits a higher risk of cardiovascular adverse events. Exercise plays a crucial role in AF prevention, but the effects of different exercise types and doses are inconclusive. This review aims to comprehensively explore the most recent evidence and possible mechanisms of diverse exercise modalities concerning AF incidence and therapeutic outcomes. Multiple studies underscore the efficacy of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in reducing AF incidence and symptom burden, rendering it the currently favored exercise therapy for AF patients. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) shows promise, potentially surpassing MICT, especially in reducing age-related AF susceptibility and improving symptoms and exercise capacity. Conversely, prolonged high-intensity endurance exercise exacerbates AF risk due to excessive exercise volume, with potential mechanisms encompassing irreversible atrial remodeling, heightened inflammation, and increased vagal tone. In summation, MICT is a secure strategy for populations in mitigating the risk associated with AF incidence and secondary cardiovascular events and should be encouraged. Also, it is recommended to initiate large-scale clinical intervention trials encompassing a variety of exercise types to delineate the optimal exercise prescription for cardiovascular patients, including those afflicted with AF.

2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 12, 2022, to November 3, 2022, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through November 2022, during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee and added to the evidence tables, where appropriate.

STRUCTURE

Atrial fibrillation is the most sustained common arrhythmia, and its incidence and prevalence are increasing in the United States and globally. Recommendations from the "2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation" and the "2019 AHA/ACC/HRS Focused Update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation" have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic risk assessment, anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occlusion, atrial fibrillation catheter or surgical ablation, and risk factor modification and atrial fibrillation prevention have been developed.

2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 12, 2022, to November 3, 2022, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through November 2022, during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee and added to the evidence tables, where appropriate.

STRUCTURE

Atrial fibrillation is the most sustained common arrhythmia, and its incidence and prevalence are increasing in the United States and globally. Recommendations from the "2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation" and the "2019 AHA/ACC/HRS Focused Update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation" have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic risk assessment, anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occlusion, atrial fibrillation catheter or surgical ablation, and risk factor modification and atrial fibrillation prevention have been developed.

Lifestyle changes in atrial fibrillation management and intervention

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias in adults, and its continued rise in the United States is complicated by the increased incidence and prevalence of several AF risk factors, such as obesity, physical inactivity, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine use. Lifestyle and risk factor modification has been proposed as an additional pillar of AF therapy, added to rhythm control, rate control, and anticoagulation, to reduce AF burden and risk. Although emerging evidence largely supports the integration of lifestyle and risk factor management in clinical practice, randomized clinical trials investigating the long-term sustainability and reproducibility of these benefits remain sparse. The purpose of this review is to discuss potentially reversible risk factors on AF, share evidence for the impact on AF by modification of these risk factors, and then provide an overview of the effects of reversing or managing these risk factors on the success of various AF management strategies, such as antithrombotic, rate control, and rhythm control therapies.

One-year Aerobic Interval Training Improves Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Trial

Objective To evaluate the effects of one-year aerobic interval training on endothelial dysfunction in patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods Seventy-four patients with atrial fibrillation (53 men, 21 women; mean age 63±6 years old) were randomized into a 1-year continuous aerobic interval training (CT), 6-month detraining after 6 months of aerobic interval training (DT), or medical treatment only (MT) group. Aerobic interval training was performed 3 times a week for 1 year or 6 months, with an exercise intensity of 85-95% of the peak heart rate. The primary outcome was a change in biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction from baseline at six months or at the one-year follow-up. Results Six-month aerobic interval training reduced von Willebrand factor (CT: 103.7±30.7 IU/dL and DT: 106±31.2 IU/dL vs. MT: 145±47.7 IU/dL, p=0.044). Improvements were maintained with continuous aerobic interval training; however, the values increased again to the baseline levels upon detraining (CT: 84.3±39.1 IU/dL vs. DT: 122.2±27.5 IU/dL and MT: 135.9±50.4 IU/dL, p=0.002). Interleukin 1 beta levels decreased after 6 months of aerobic interval training (CT: 0.59±0.1 pg/mL and DT: 0.63±0.09 pg/mL vs. MT: 0.82±0.28 pg/mL, p=0.031), and the improvement was maintained with continuous aerobic interval training and even after detraining (CT: 0.58±0.08 pg/mL and DT: 0.62±0.09 pg/mL vs. MT: 0.86±0.28 pg/mL, p=0.015). Conclusion One-year aerobic interval training improves endothelial dysfunction in patients with atrial fibrillation and is primarily associated with the reduction in circulating thrombogenic and pro-inflammatory factors. A definitive way to sustain these improvements is the long-term continuation of aerobic training.

Atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention: 25 years of research at EP Europace journal

Stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is one pillar of the management of this common arrhythmia. Substantial advances in the epidemiology and associated pathophysiology underlying AF-related stroke and thrombo-embolism are evident. Furthermore, the introduction of the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (also called direct oral anticoagulants) has clearly changed our approach to stroke prevention in AF, such that the default should be to offer oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention, unless the patient is at low risk. A strategy of early rhythm control is also beneficial in reducing strokes in selected patients with recent onset AF, when compared to rate control. Cardiovascular risk factor management, with optimization of comorbidities and attention to lifestyle factors, and the patient's psychological morbidity are also essential. Finally, in selected patients with absolute contraindications to long-term oral anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occlusion or exclusion may be considered. The aim of this state-of-the-art review article is to provide an overview of the current status of AF-related stroke and prevention strategies. A holistic or integrated care approach to AF management is recommended to minimize the risk of stroke in patients with AF, based on the evidence-based Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway, as follows: A: Avoid stroke with Anticoagulation; B: Better patient-centred, symptom-directed decisions on rate or rhythm control; C: Cardiovascular risk factor and comorbidity optimization, including lifestyle changes.

Social support, oral health knowledge, attitudes, practice, self-efficacy and oral health-related quality of life in Chinese college students

Oral health is crucial for health-related quality of life. However, the research on the factors affecting oral health status is not comprehensive enough. This investigation aimed to evaluate the multifaceted determinants of college students' oral health status and explore the impact of social support, oral health literacy, attitudes, behaviors, and self-efficacy on OHRQoL. By surveying 822 students from a university. Baseline data included sociodemographics (gender, age), social support (MSPSS scale), oral health self-efficacy (SESS scale), oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP questionnaire), and OHRQoL (OHIP-14 scale). Based on social cognitive theory, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) were used to examine the relationship between the study variables. PLS-SEM results showed that knowledge, attitude, and practice predicted OHRQoL through self-efficacy. FsQCA results showed that the combination of different variables was sufficient to explain OHRQoL. The conclusion was that self-efficacy plays an important role and the combination of high-level knowledge, positive attitudes, and strong self-efficacy was important in improving OHRQoL. The results of this study provided a reference for the oral health strategy planning of college students in China.

Symptom Clusters, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) experience diverse symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and fainting that lead to depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life. Management of symptoms is fundamental for AF, and with the increasing prevalence of AF, studies on management of symptoms in patients with AF are needed. Objectives: This study aimed to assess symptom clusters according to symptom severity in patients with atrial fibrillation and evaluate the relationships between symptom cluster groups and the psychological distress and quality of life of these patients. Design: A descriptive survey was used in this study. Methods: A total of 175 patients were included in this study. Data regarding symptoms, psychological distress, and quality of life were obtained using structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, cluster analysis, t-testing, Chi-square testing, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The Euclidean distance square of the hierarchical cluster was used to form symptom cluster groups. Results: Two groups of symptom clusters were formed based on the seven most common symptoms (i.e., chest palpitations, fatigue/tiredness, dizziness, lack of energy, pulse skipping, insomnia, and heavy breathing) of atrial fibrillation patients. Psychological distress and quality of life showed significant correlations with the symptom cluster groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Symptoms of atrial fibrillation increased patients' depression and anxiety, and further affected their quality of life. Therefore, management of symptoms is critical to maintaining a high quality of life. Nursing interventions based on the characteristics of symptom cluster groups must be developed and attempted.

Effects of different exercise types on quality of life for patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To investigate the effectiveness of exercise and the most effective types of exercise for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and exercise capacity, and reduce AF burden, AF recurrence and adverse events.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Systematic search in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, and SPORTDiscus for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized pre-post intervention studies investigating the effect of different types of exercise on AF patients. After exclusion, 12 studies (11 RCTs, 1 prepost) with a total of 670 participants were included. Exercise interventions consisted of aerobic exercise, aerobic interval training (AIT), Qigong, yoga, and exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR). There were significant positive effects of exercise on general health {mean difference [MD] = 6.42 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.90, 9.93]; P = 0.0003; I2 = 17%} and vitality [MD = 6.18 (95% CI: 1.94, 10.41); P = 0.004; I2 = 19%)] sub-scales of the Short Form 36-item questionnaire (SF-36). Qigong resulted in a significant improvement in the 6-min walk test [MD = 105.00m (95% CI: 19.53, 190.47)]. Exercise-based CR and AIT were associated with a significant increment in V̇O2peak, and AIT significantly reduced AF burden. Adverse events were few and one intervention-related serious adverse event was reported for exercise-based CR.

CONCLUSION

Exercise led to improvements in HRQoL, exercise capacity, and reduced AF burden. The available exercise interventions for AF patients are few and heterogeneous. Future studies are needed for all types of exercise intervention in this patient group to (co-)develop an optimized exercise training intervention for AF patients.

Anemia and iron deficiency in patients with atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac tachyarrhythmia and has a rising global prevalence. Given the increasing burden of AF-related symptoms and complications, new approaches to management are required. Anemia and iron deficiency are common conditions in patients with AF. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that the presence of anemia may be associated with worse outcome in these patients. The role of anemia and iron deficiency has been extensively explored in other cardiovascular states, such as heart failure and ischemic heart disease. In particular, the role of iron repletion amongst patients with heart failure is now an established treatment modality. However, despite the strong bidirectional inter-relationship between AF and heart failure, the implications of anemia and iron-deficiency in AF have been scarcely studied. This area is of mechanistic and clinical relevance given the potential that treatment of these conditions may improve symptoms and prognosis in the increasing number of individuals with AF. In this review, we summarise the current published literature on anemia and iron deficiency in patients with AF. We discuss AF complications such as stroke, bleeding, and heart failure, in addition to AF-related symptoms such as exercise intolerance, and the potential impact of anemia and iron deficiency on these. Finally, we summarize current research gaps on anemia, iron deficiency, and AF, and underscore potential research directions.

Atrial Fibrillation Specific Exercise Rehabilitation: Are We There Yet?

Regular physical activity and exercise training are integral for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Despite recent advances in more holistic care pathways for people with atrial fibrillation (AF), exercise rehabilitation is not provided as part of routine care. The most recent European Society of Cardiology report for AF management states that patients should be encouraged to undertake moderate-intensity exercise and remain physically active to prevent AF incidence or recurrence. The aim of this review was to collate data from primary trials identified in three systematic reviews and recent real-world cohort studies to propose an AF-specific exercise rehabilitation guideline. Collating data from 21 studies, we propose that 360–720 metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes/week, corresponding to ~60–120 min of exercise per week at moderate-to-vigorous intensity, could be an evidence-based recommendation for patients with AF to improve AF-specific outcomes, quality of life, and possibly prevent long-term major adverse cardiovascular events. Furthermore, non-traditional, low-moderate intensity exercise, such as Yoga, seems to have promising benefits on patient quality of life and possibly physical capacity and should, therefore, be considered in a personalised rehabilitation programme. Finally, we discuss the interesting concepts of short-term exercise-induced cardioprotection and ‘none-response’ to exercise training with reference to AF rehabilitation.

Impact of a short-term low calorie diet alone or with interval exercise on quality of life and oxidized phospholipids in obese females

The objective of this study was to test if a low-calorie diet plus interval exercise (LCD+INT) reduced oxidized and non-oxidized phospholipids in relation to improved weight-related quality of life (QoL) to a greater extent than an energy-deficit matched LCD in obese females. Subjects (age: 47.2 ± 2.6 years, body mass index: 37.5 ± 1.3 kg/m²) were randomized to a 13-day LCD (n = 12; mixed meals of ∼1200 kcal/day) or LCD+INT (n = 13; 12 sessions of 60 min/day alternating 3 min at 50% and 90% peak heart rate plus an additional 350 kcal shake fed after exercise to match energy availability between groups). Weight-related QoL (Laval Questionnaire) as well as oxidized (POVPC, HOOA-PC, HPETE-PC, HETE-PC, PEIPC, KOOA-PC) and non-oxidized (PAPC and lysoPC) phospholipids were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Fitness (VO₂peak), body composition (BodPod), and clinical bloods were also tested. LCD+INT significantly increased VO₂peak (mL/kg/min, P = 0.03) compared to LCD despite similar fat loss, blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory responses. LCD+INT had significantly greater increases in QoL sexual life domain (P = 0.05) and tended to have a greater increase in the emotions domain (P = 0.09) and total score (P = 0.10) compared to LCD. There were no significant differences between treatments for changes in phospholipids despite LCD+INT increasing measured oxidized and non-oxidized phospholipids while LCD decreased POVPC, HOOA-PC, and PEIPC as well as non-oxidized PAPC and lysoPC. Interestingly, the rise in PEIPC correlated with elevated VO₂peak (mL/kg/min r = 0.42, P = 0.05). Decreased caloric intake was, however, linked to a decrease in PAPC (r = 0.53, P = 0.01), lysoPC (r = 0.52, P = 0.02), POVPC (r = 0.43, P = 0.05), and HPETE-PC (r = 0.43, P = 0.05). The decrease in HETE-PC also correlated with increases in the QoL domains symptoms (r = -0.46, P = 0.04), hygiene/clothing (r = -0.53, P = 0.01), emotions (r = -0.53, P = 0.01), social interactions (r = -0.49, P = 0.02), and total score (r = -0.52, P = 0.02). In conclusion, although LCD and LCD+INT improved weight related QoL over 13 days in females with obesity, LCD+INT tended to improve sexual life, emotions as well as total QoL score more than LCD. These data suggest caloric restriction and fitness may act through different mechanisms to support QoL.

Effects of Supervised Exercise Training on Atrial Fibrillation: A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

PURPOSE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with the comorbidities of a sedentary lifestyle. Endurance athletes also show an increased incidence of AF. The role of exercise in the treatment of AF is unknown so this study aimed to examine the effects of supervised exercise on AF.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining supervised exercise training in participants with AF was performed. The primary outcome was AF recurrence and burden. Secondary outcomes included AF symptoms, quality of life, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

RESULTS

Thirteen RCTs, involving 1155 participants, were included. Paroxysmal AF was present in 34% and persistent AF in 64%. The types of exercise were diverse and included cardiac rehabilitation (64%), aerobic training (7%), Qi Gong (4%), interval training (11%), and yoga (15%). Exercise training reduced AF recurrence (relative risk = 0.77: 95% CI, 0.60-0.99), improved quality of life in 5 of the 10 components of the Short Form 36 survey, and improved CRF (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.56: 95% CI, 0.27-0.85). The AF burden was reduced only in studies that included continuous ambulatory monitoring (SMD =-0.49: 95% CI, -0.96 to -0.01) but not when all studies were included (SMD =-0.12: 95% CI, -0.61 to 0.38). There was no difference in adverse events between exercise and control.

CONCLUSIONS

Supervised exercise training is safe, reduces AF recurrence, and improves quality of life and CRF in participants with AF. Further large RCTs with ambulatory monitoring and robust exercise regimens are needed to assess the effects of exercise training on AF burden and AF symptoms.

Efficacy of exercise in patients with atrial fibrillation: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The benefits of exercise in atrial fibrillation (AF) are not clear yet. The aim was to assess the effects of exercise on functional capacity, quality of life, symptoms and adverse events in AF patients.

METHODS

Pubmed, Web of Science, Science Direct and CENTRAL databases were searched to collect the literature concerning AF and exercise. Studies using an endurance and/or strength exercise of at least one-month duration were included. The meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects method.

RESULTS

10 randomised controlled trials were selected. The analysis reported a significant improvement in the maximum exercise capacity (SMCR=0.35; CI95%=0.18, 0.51; p<.001) after exercise intervention. In patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF, exercise improved significantly VO_2peak (SMCR=0.387; CI95%=0.214, 0.561; p<.001). Moreover, patients with permanent AF showed significant results in the 6-min walk test (SMCR=0.74; CI95%=0.31, 1.17; p<.001) and the resting heart rate (SMCR=-0.51; CI95%=-0.93, -0.10; p=.0015) thanks to exercise. Regarding quality of life, there was an improvement trend in the physical component score (SMCR=0.13; CI95%=-0.05, 0.31; p=.17) and mental component score (SMCR=0.09; CI95%=-0.09, 0.27; p=.35) in the exercise group. Nevertheless, pharmacological treatment tended to control the systolic blood pressure (SMCR=0.13; CI95%=-0.03, 0.3; p=.11).

CONCLUSION

Exercise has a beneficial role as an adjuvant treatment of AF.

2021 Focused update of the 2017 consensus guidelines of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation

The consensus of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been published in 2017 which provided useful clinical guidance for cardiologists, neurologists, geriatricians, and general practitioners in Asia-Pacific region. In these years, many important new data regarding stroke prevention in AF were reported. The Practice Guidelines subcommittee members comprehensively reviewed updated information on stroke prevention in AF, and summarized them in this 2021 focused update of the 2017 consensus guidelines of the APHRS on stroke prevention in AF. We highlighted and focused on several issues, including the importance of AF Better Care (ABC) pathway, the advantages of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for Asians, the considerations of use of NOACs for Asian patients with AF with single 1 stroke risk factor beyond gender, the role of lifestyle factors on stroke risk, the use of oral anticoagulants during the "coronavirus disease 2019" (COVID-19) pandemic, etc. We fully realize that there are gaps, unaddressed questions, and many areas of uncertainty and debate in the current knowledge of AF, and the physician's decision remains the most important factor in the management of AF.

2021 Focused Update Consensus Guidelines of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society on Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: Executive Summary

The consensus of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been published in 2017 which provided useful clinical guidance for cardiologists, neurologists, geriatricians, and general practitioners in the Asia-Pacific region. In these years, many important new data regarding stroke prevention in AF were reported. The practice guidelines subcommittee members comprehensively reviewed updated information on stroke prevention in AF, and summarized them in this 2021 focused update of the 2017 consensus guidelines of the APHRS on stroke prevention in AF. We highlighted and focused on several issues, including the importance of the AF Better Care pathway, the advantages of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for Asians, the considerations of use of NOACs for Asian AF patients with single one stroke risk factor beyond gender, the role of lifestyle factors on stroke risk, the use of oral anticoagulants during the “coronavirus disease 2019” pandemic, etc. We fully realize that there are gaps, unaddressed questions, and many areas of uncertainty and debate in the current knowledge of AF, and the physician's decision remains the most important factor in the management of AF.

Research Priorities in the Secondary Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation: A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Virtual Workshop Report

There has been sustained focus on the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and heart failure; yet, apart from stroke prevention, the evidence base for the secondary prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence, AF progression, and AF-related complications is modest. Although there are multiple observational studies, there are few large, robust, randomized trials providing definitive effective approaches for the secondary prevention of AF. Given the increasing incidence and prevalence of AF nationally and internationally, the AF field needs transformative research and a commitment to evidenced-based secondary prevention strategies. We report on a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute virtual workshop directed at identifying knowledge gaps and research opportunities in the secondary prevention of AF. Once AF has been detected, lifestyle changes and novel models of care delivery may contribute to the prevention of AF recurrence, AF progression, and AF-related complications. Although benefits seen in small subgroups, cohort studies, and selected randomized trials are impressive, the widespread effectiveness of AF secondary prevention strategies remains unknown, calling for development of scalable interventions suitable for diverse populations and for identification of subpopulations who may particularly benefit from intensive management. We identified critical research questions for 6 topics relevant to the secondary prevention of AF: (1) weight loss; (2) alcohol intake, smoking cessation, and diet; (3) cardiac rehabilitation; (4) approaches to sleep disorders; (5) integrated, team-based care; and (6) nonanticoagulant pharmacotherapy. Our goal is to stimulate innovative research that will accelerate the generation of the evidence to effectively pursue the secondary prevention of AF.

Necroptosis is required for atrial fibrillation and involved in aerobic exercise-conferred cardioprotection

Necroptosis, a novel programmed cell death, plays a critical role in the development of fibrosis, yet its role in atrial fibrillation (AF) remains elusive. Mounting evidence demonstrates that aerobic exercise improves AF-related symptoms and quality of life. Therefore, we explored the role of necroptosis in AF pathogenesis and exercise-conferred cardioprotection. A mouse AF model was established either by calcium chloride and acetylcholine (CaCl₂ -Ach) administration for 3 weeks or high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 12 weeks, whereas swim training was conducted 60 min/day, for 3-week duration. AF susceptibility, heart morphology and function and atrial fibrosis were assessed by electrophysiological examinations, echocardiography and Masson's trichrome staining, respectively. Both CaCl₂ -Ach administration and HFD feeding significantly enhanced AF susceptibility (including frequency and duration of episodes), left atrial enlargement and fibrosis. Moreover, protein levels of necroptotic signaling (receptor-interacting protein kinase 1, receptor-interacting protein kinase 3, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II or their phosphorylated forms) were markedly elevated in the atria of AF mice. However, inhibiting necroptosis with necrostatin-1 partly attenuated CaCl₂ -Ach (or HFD)-induced fibrosis and AF susceptibility, implicating necroptosis as contributing to AF pathogenesis. Finally, we found 3-week swim training inhibited necroptotic signaling, consequently decreasing CaCl₂ -Ach-induced AF susceptibility and atrial structural remodeling. Our findings identify necroptosis as a novel mechanism in AF pathogenesis and highlight that aerobic exercise may confer benefits on AF via inhibiting cardiac necroptosis.

Exercise and the Risk of Dementia in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether exercise would reduce dementia in patients with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between the change in physical activity (PA) before and after new-onset AF and the risk of incident dementia.

METHODS

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we enrolled a total of 126,555 patients with newly diagnosed AF between 2010 and 2016, who underwent health examinations within two years before and after their diagnosis of AF. The patients were divided into four groups: persistent non-exercisers, exercise starters, exercise quitters, and exercise maintainers.

RESULTS

Based on a total of 396,503 person-years of follow-up, 5943 patients were diagnosed with dementia. Compared to persistent non-exercisers, exercise starters (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-0.94), and exercise maintainers (aHR 0.66; 95% CI 0.61-0.72) showed a lower risk of incident dementia; however, the risk was similar in exercise quitters (aHR 0.98; 95% CI 0.92-1.05) (p-trend < 0.001). There was a J-shaped relationship between the dose of exercise and the risk of dementia, with the risk reduction maximized at 5-6 times per week of moderate-to-vigorous PA among exercise starters.

CONCLUSION

Patients who initiated or continued regular exercise after diagnosis of AF were associated with a lower risk of dementia than persistent non-exercisers, with no risk reduction associated with exercise cessation. Our findings may provide evidence for the benefit of exercise prescription to patients with new-onset AF to prevent incident dementia regardless of their current exercise status.

Association between exercise habits and stroke, heart failure, and mortality in Korean patients with incident atrial fibrillation: A nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of information about cardiovascular outcomes related to exercise habit change after a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the association between exercise habits after a new AF diagnosis and ischemic stroke, heart failure (HF), and all-cause death.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

This is a nationwide population-based cohort study using data from the Korea National Health Insurance Service. A retrospective analysis was performed for 66,692 patients with newly diagnosed AF between 2010 and 2016 who underwent 2 serial health examinations within 2 years before and after their AF diagnosis. Individuals were divided into 4 categories according to performance of regular exercise, which was investigated by a self-reported questionnaire in each health examination, before and after their AF diagnosis: persistent non-exercisers (30.5%), new exercisers (17.8%), exercise dropouts (17.4%), and exercise maintainers (34.2%). The primary outcomes were incidence of ischemic stroke, HF, and all-cause death. Differences in baseline characteristics among groups were balanced considering demographics, comorbidities, medications, lifestyle behaviors, and income status. The risks of the outcomes were computed by weighted Cox proportional hazards models with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) during a mean follow-up of 3.4 ± 2.0 years. The new exerciser and exercise maintainer groups were associated with a lower risk of HF compared to the persistent non-exerciser group: the hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CIs) were 0.95 (0.90-0.99) and 0.92 (0.88-0.96), respectively (p < 0.001). Also, performing exercise any time before or after AF diagnosis was associated with a lower risk of mortality compared to persistent non-exercising: the HR (95% CI) was 0.82 (0.73-0.91) for new exercisers, 0.83 (0.74-0.93) for exercise dropouts, and 0.61 (0.55-0.67) for exercise maintainers (p < 0.001). For ischemic stroke, the estimates of HRs were 10%-14% lower in patients of the exercise groups, yet differences were statistically insignificant (p = 0.057). Energy expenditure of 1,000-1,499 MET-min/wk (regular moderate exercise 170-240 min/wk) was consistently associated with a lower risk of each outcome based on a subgroup analysis of the new exerciser group. Study limitations include recall bias introduced due to the nature of the self-reported questionnaire and restricted external generalizability to other ethnic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Initiating or continuing regular exercise after AF diagnosis was associated with lower risks of HF and mortality. The promotion of exercise might reduce the future risk of adverse outcomes in patients with AF.

Lifestyle as a Risk Factor for Atrial Fibrillation

The growing burden of atrial fibrillation health care resource utlization has created an urgent need to develop preventative strategies and opportunities to improve outcomes in the prevalent population. Modifiable risk factors contribute to both disease development and progression. In the prevalent atrial fibrillation population, modifying cardiovascular risk factors has decreased disease burden and progression. However, further research is required to determine the role of comprehensive cardiovascular risk factor modification programs in primary prevention. An understanding of strategies required to facilitate health behavior change is crucial to the effective implementation of cardiovascular risk factor management programs.

Efficacy of Physical Exercise on the Quality of Life, Exercise Ability, and Cardiopulmonary Fitness of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: Physical exercise is recommended to help prevent lifestyle diseases. The present study was designed to quantify the efficacy of physical exercise on the quality of life (QoL), exercise ability and cardiopulmonary fitness of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Method: A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PubMed databases (from 1970 to December 1st, 2019) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing physical exercise combined with AF routine treatments to routine treatments alone. The meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Our main outcomes were QoL (measured by the Short-Form 36 scale, SF-36), exercise ability (measured by the 6-min walk test, 6MWT) and cardiopulmonary fitness (measured by peak oxygen uptake and resting heart rate). Quality assessments were conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration tool.

Results: Twelve trials involving 819 patients met the criteria for analysis. The results showed that physical exercise improved the QoL by enhancing physical functioning [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.18–1.09; p = 0.006], general health perceptions (SMD = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.35–0.93; p < 0.001) and vitality (SMD = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.31–0.71; p < 0.001); increased exercise ability by improving the 6MWT performance (SMD = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.19–1.119; p = 0.007); and enhanced peak VO₂ (SMD = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.16–0.57; p < 0.001) while reducing resting heart rate (SMD = −0.39, 95%CI: −0.65 to −0.13; p = 0.004). In addition, meta-regression analysis showed that training mode (p_{physicalfunctioning} = 0.012, p_{generalhealthperceptions} = 0.035) and training duration (p = 0.047) were the main factors of an intervention that influenced the effect size. Following sub-group analysis, we found that aerobics, Yoga and longer training durations (≥60 min) showed larger improvements.

Conclusion: In summary, our meta-analysis shows that physical exercise has a positive effect on the QoL, exercise ability and cardiopulmonary fitness in AF patients. When physicians offer exercise recommendations to AF patients, they should consider both the training mode and training duration to achieve maximum results.

Impacts of sinus rhythm maintenance with catheter ablation on exercise tolerance in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

It has been recently reported that sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance with catheter ablation therapy improves exercise tolerance (ET) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it remains to be elucidated whether this is also the case for patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF).

METHODS

We enrolled consecutive 54 patients with PAF (age; 63 ± 10 [SD] years old, male/female 46/8) and 26 patients with persistent AF (non-PAF) (age; 57 ± 12 [SD] years old, male/female 23/3) who underwent AF ablation without recurrence. ET and cardiac function were evaluated by cardio-pulmonary exercise test and ultrasound echocardiography before and 6 months after ablation.

RESULTS

The parameters of cardiopulmonary exercise test were comparable between the 2 groups. When PAF group was divided into 2 groups according to the time since diagnosis, peak oxygen uptake (peak VO₂) before ablation was significantly lower in patients with PAF duration of more than 1 year (n = 26), compared with those with less than 1 year (n = 28) (18.1 ± 3.7 vs 21.3 ± 5.8 ml/kg/min, P = 0.022). At 6 months after SR maintenance without AF burden, peak VO₂ significantly improved in both PAF (19.8 ± 5.1 to 22.0 ± 4.8 ml/kg/min, P = 0.0001) and non-PAF (20.6 ± 3.9 to 23.4 ± 5.0 ml/kg/min, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the improvement rate of peak VO₂ after successful ablation had a highly significant inverse relationship with peak VO₂ at baseline in patients with PAF (r = - 0.48, P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that SR maintenance with ablation improves ET in patients with PAF, especially in those with reduced ET.

Exercise Testing and Exercise Rehabilitation for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with an increasing prevalence with advancing age. It is associated with dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and increased risk for clinical events, especially stroke and heart failure. This article provides a concise review of exercise testing and rehabilitation in patients with persistent or permanent AF.

CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The first goal in the treatment of AF is to reduce symptoms (eg, palpitations) and a fast ventricular rate. The second goal is to reduce the risk of a stroke. Exercise testing and rehabilitation may be useful once these goals are achieved. However, there are no large, randomized exercise training trials involving patients with AF, and what data are available comes from single-site trials, secondary analyses, and observational studies.

EXERCISE TESTING AND TRAINING

There are no specific indications for performing a graded exercise test in patients with AF; however, such testing may be used to screen for myocardial ischemia or evaluate chronotropic response during exertion. Among patients with AF, exercise capacity is 15% to 20% lower and peak heart rate is higher than in patients in sinus rhythm. Exercise rehabilitation improves exercise capacity, likely improves quality of life, and may improve symptoms associated with AF. Whole-body aerobic exercise is recommended.

SUMMARY

Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac condition and in these patients, exercise rehabilitation favorably improves exercise capacity. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to better define the effects of exercise training on safety; quality of life; clinical outcomes; and central, autonomic, and peripheral adaptations.

Lifestyle and Risk Factor Modification for Reduction of Atrial Fibrillation: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare use. Great strides have been made in stroke prevention and rhythm control strategies, yet reducing the incidence of AF has been slowed by the increasing incidence and prevalence of AF risk factors, including obesity, physical inactivity, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other modifiable lifestyle-related factors. Fortunately, many of these AF drivers are potentially reversible, and emerging evidence supports that addressing these modifiable risks may be effective for primary and secondary AF prevention. A structured, protocol-driven multidisciplinary approach to integrate lifestyle and risk factor management as an integral part of AF management may help in the prevention and treatment of AF. However, this aspect of AF management is currently underrecognized, underused, and understudied. The purpose of this American Heart Association scientific statement is to review the association of modifiable risk factors with AF and the effects of risk factor intervention. Implementation strategies, care pathways, and educational links for achieving impactful weight reduction, increased physical activity, and risk factor modification are included. Implications for clinical practice, gaps in knowledge, and future directions for the research community are highlighted.

Impact of Lifestyle Modification on Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in adults, and the rapid increase in AF prevalence has been classified by experts as an epidemic. The mechanisms of AF are complex and incompletely understood. While many aspects of management are now based on high quality evidence, other clinical decisions are based on experience and judgment. This article provides an up to date review relating to lifestyle modification and its effect on AF to inform clinical treatment. This comprehensive review used PubMed and Google Scholar to perform keyword searches of articles published between 1998 and the present, with the exception of the 1978 "Holiday Heart" article. Robust data has emerged identifying multiple risk factors for development of AF, including age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, alcohol consumption, exercise, and obstructive sleep apnea. Recent evidence indicates that lifestyle modification has a significant role in mitigating the risk and burden of AF. In conclusion, based on the available evidence, an interdisciplinary approach to lifestyle modification will likely reduce risk and/or symptom burden of AF.

Postablation Atrial Fibrillation Burden and Patient Activity Level: Insights From the DISCERN AF Study

Background Recent evidence shows an association between the level of physical activity and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with atrial fibrillation ( AF ). We sought to assess the impact of AF daily burden on the activity level of the patient who underwent pulmonary vein isolation. Methods and Results Patients enrolled in the DISCERN AF (Discerning Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Episodes Pre and Post Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation) study all had insertable cardiac monitors, which provided the daily burden of atrial tachycardia and atrial fibrillation ( AT / AF ) and a corresponding activity level. A total of 44 341 daily AT / AF burden points were collected from 50 patients with an average of 887 observations for every patient, with <5 minutes of AT / AF reported on 82.6% of days. The daily burden of AT / AF after ablation ranged between 0 and 1440 minutes. The minimum and maximum daily activity was 0 and 600 minutes per day, respectively. A significant inverse association was detected between activity levels and AF burden ( P<0.001; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.04). The daily activity starts progressively decreasing after 500 minutes of AF and considerably drops after 1000 minutes. The association between activity level and burden of AT / AF was still statistically significant after adjustment for clinical variables ( P =0.02; 95% confidence interval, -003 to 0.04). Conclusions Daily activity level correlates with daily AT / AF burden in patients who underwent AF ablation. The daily activity started decreasing after a daily burden of 500 minutes of AF and greatly drops after 1000 minutes. Therefore, the amount of AT / AF burden that may impact the activity level seems to be related to hours and not minutes of arrhythmias. Clinical Trial Registration URL : https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT 00745706.

The effect of cardiac rehabilitation at 4 weeks postoperatively on quality of life in patients treated with totally thoracoscopic ablation

There is a lack of evidence on the effect of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) in patients treated with total thoracoscopic ablation (TTA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Our study investigated the efficacy and safety of postoperative exercise intervention in patients recovering from TTA. Twenty-four patients participated in the study, and were divided into the two groups, exercise group (EG) (n=12) and control group (n= 12). Patients in EG performed the exercise intervention including the aerobic and resistance exercise program twice a week for 8 weeks, which was used as a hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation for the out-patient. A cardiopulmonary exercise test was administered to evaluate aerobic exercise capacity, and qualitative aspect of patient’s life was assessed using the Short Form 36 questionnaires to compare pre and postoperative wellness of patient’s life. Although there was an increase of VO_2peak (peak oxygen uptake) after exercise intervention, no significant improvement was found (P=0.055). Two of 4 physical health scores (role-physical, P=0.013 and general health, P=0.05) and three of four mental health scores (vitality, P=0.027, social function, P=0.016, and mental health, P=0.003) were significantly improved after 8 weeks of EBCR. Each summarized scale in the physical (P=0.022) and mental (P= 0.004) survey section was also significantly improved in postoperative assessment compared to the preoperative one. In this context, we concluded that EBCR initiated at the time point of 4th week after TTA operation can guarantee the secure postoperative physical activity, and the 8 weeks of EBCR can effectively improve the quality of life in AF Patients.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: An Integrative Literature Review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the factors influencing HRQoL in patients with AF are not well understood. The purpose of integrative review was to investigate the factors affecting HRQoL in patients with AF based on the six domains of Ferrans and colleagues’ HRQoL model. A total of 23 relevant articles published between January 2000 and March 2018 were identified using four databases and analyzed in this study. Our review showed that the HRQoL in patients with AF was consistently lower than both healthy individuals and patients with other cardiovascular diseases. The most common factor associated with HRQoL in patients with AF was anxiety-specific to AF in the symptoms domain, followed by frequency and severity of symptoms and the New York Heart Association functional class. This study highlights that monitoring and assessing patients’ symptoms is vital for improving HRQoL in patients with AF. Disease-specific and cross-culturally validated tools can allow healthcare professionals to provide tailored interventions for patients with AF.

Atrial Fibrillation Burden: Moving Beyond Atrial Fibrillation as a Binary Entity: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Our understanding of the risk factors and complications of atrial fibrillation (AF) is based mostly on studies that have evaluated AF in a binary fashion (present or absent) and have not investigated AF burden. This scientific statement discusses the published literature and knowledge gaps related to methods of defining and measuring AF burden, the relationship of AF burden to cardiovascular and neurological outcomes, and the effect of lifestyle and risk factor modification on AF burden. Many studies examine outcomes by AF burden classified by AF type (paroxysmal versus nonparoxysmal); however, quantitatively, AF burden can be defined by longest duration, number of AF episodes during a monitoring period, and the proportion of time an individual is in AF during a monitoring period (expressed as a percentage). Current guidelines make identical recommendations for anticoagulation regardless of AF pattern or burden; however, a review of recent evidence suggests that higher AF burden is associated with higher risk of stroke. It is unclear whether the risk increases continuously or whether a threshold exists; if a threshold exists, it has not been defined. Higher burden of AF is also associated with higher prevalence and incidence of heart failure and higher risk of mortality, but not necessarily lower quality of life. A structured and comprehensive risk factor management program targeting risk factors, weight loss, and maintenance of a healthy weight appears to be effective in reducing AF burden. Despite this growing understanding of AF burden, research is needed into validation of definitions and measures of AF burden, determination of the threshold of AF burden that results in an increased risk of stroke that warrants anticoagulation, and discovery of the mechanisms underlying the weak temporal correlations of AF and stroke. Moreover, developments in monitoring technologies will likely change the landscape of long-term AF monitoring and could allow better definition of the significance of changes in AF burden over time.

Effects of exercise training on exercise capacity, cardiac function, BMI, and quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

Exercise training has become part of the standard care for patients with cardiovascular disease. We investigated the effects of exercise training on exercise capacity, cardiac function, BMI, and quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We searched for randomized-controlled trials of supervised exercise training versus care without exercise training (the control) in patients with permanent or nonpermanent AF published up to November 2016. Standard mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effect models. We identified 259 trials, and after an assessment of relevance, five trials with a combined total of 379 participants were analyzed. In AF patients, exercise training significantly improved exercise capacity and left ventricular ejection fraction compared with the control (SMD: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.70 to 1.12; MD: 4.8%, 95% CIs: 1.56 to 8.03, respectively). Compared with the control, exercise training also significantly reduced BMI (MD: -0.47 kg/m, 95% CIs: -0.89 to -0.06) and significantly improved scores in the 'general health' and 'vitality' sections of the 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey (SMD: 0.71, 95% CIs: 0.30 to 1.12; SMD: 0.81, 95% CIs: 0.40 to 1.23, respectively). Exercise training improved exercise capacity, left ventricular ejection fraction, and some the 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey scores, and reduced BMI in AF patients.

Sex differences in health status and rehabilitation outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with ablation: Results from the CopenHeartRFA trial

Background:

Increased physical capacity after comprehensive rehabilitation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing ablation has been found in the CopenHeartRFA trial. The purpose of this study was to investigate: (a) sex differences in health status, psychological distress and quality of life, (b) sex differences in rehabilitation outcomes and (c) predictors of effect of rehabilitation.

Methods:

We conducted an exploratory analysis of data from the randomized CopenHeartRFA trial, where patients treated with ablation were randomized with 1:1 to comprehensive rehabilitation consisting of a physical exercise program and psycho-educational consultations versus usual care. Sex disparities in health status were tested using Chi-square and t-tests.

Results:

Included were: 151 men (median age 59.25 years) and 59 women (median age 62.5 years). At hospital discharge, women reported lower physical health status compared with men. Among women, significant differences were found in the 6-min walk test [rehabilitation: 496.8 meters (SD 98.5) versus 559.3meters (SD 55.5) and usual care: 521.9 meters (SD 97.8) versus 530.9 meters (SD 102.2), p = 0.01] and exercise time [rehabilitation: 387.6 s (SD 126.0) versus 463.2 s (SD 121.8) and usual care: 353.4 s (SD 145.2) versus 355.8 s (SD 154.8), p < 0.004] and among men in the sit-to-stand test. Significant differences were found in mental health outcomes among men and in quality of life scores among women. Patients with a European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) score I-II had a positive effect of rehabilitation.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that sex differences exist in self-reported health after rehabilitation in patients ablated for AF. Patients with an I–II EHRA score seem more likely to gain from the rehabilitation programme compared with those with a III–IV score.

Exercise Training in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy of aerobic exercise in heart failure (HF) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been well evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined whether outcomes with exercise training in HF vary according to AF status.

METHODS

HF-ACTION (Heart Failure: A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training) randomized 2,331 ambulatory HF patients with ejection fraction ≤35% to exercise training or usual care. We examined clinical characteristics and outcomes (mortality/hospitalization) by baseline AF status (past history of AF or AF on baseline electrocardiogram vs. no AF) using adjusted Cox models and explored an interaction with exercise training. We assessed post-randomization AF events diagnosed via hospitalizations for AF and reports of serious arrhythmia caused by AF.

RESULTS

Of 2,292 patients with baseline rhythm data, 382 (17%) had AF, 1,602 (70%) had sinus rhythm, and 308 (13%) had "other" rhythm. Patients with AF were older and had lower peak Vo₂. Over a median follow-up of 2.6 years, AF was associated with a 24% per year higher rate of mortality/hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34 to 1.74; p < 0.001) in unadjusted analysis; this did not remain significant after adjustment (HR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.35; p = 0.09). There was no significant difference in AF event rates by randomized treatment assignment in the overall population or by baseline AF status (all p > 0.10). There was no interaction between AF and exercise training on measures of functional status or clinical outcomes (all p > 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

AF in patients with chronic HF was associated with older age, reduced exercise capacity at baseline, and a higher overall rate of clinical events, but not a differential response to exercise training for clinical outcomes or changes in exercise capacity. (Heart Failure: A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training [HF-ACTION]; NCT00047437).

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for adults with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation may benefit adults with atrial fibrillation or those who had been treated for atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is caused by multiple micro re-entry circuits within the atrial tissue, which result in chaotic rapid activity in the atria.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of exercise-based rehabilitation programmes, alone or with another intervention, compared with no-exercise training controls in adults who currently have AF, or have been treated for AF.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following electronic databases; CENTRAL and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE) in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, PsycINFO Ovid, Web of Science Core Collection Thomson Reuters, CINAHL EBSCO, LILACS Bireme, and three clinical trial registers on 14 July 2016. We also checked the bibliographies of relevant systematic reviews identified by the searches. We imposed no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCT) that investigated exercise-based interventions compared with any type of no-exercise control. We included trials that included adults aged 18 years or older with atrial fibrillation, or post-treatment for atrial fibrillation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data. We assessed the risk of bias using the domains outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We assessed clinical and statistical heterogeneity by visual inspection of the forest plots, and by using standard Chi² and I² statistics. We performed meta-analyses using fixed-effect and random-effects models; we used standardised mean differences where different scales were used for the same outcome. We assessed the risk of random errors with trial sequential analysis (TSA) and used the GRADE methodology to rate the quality of evidence, reporting it in the 'Summary of findings' table.

MAIN RESULTS

We included six RCTs with a total of 421 patients with various types of atrial fibrillation. All trials were conducted between 2006 and 2016, and had short follow-up (eight weeks to six months). Risks of bias ranged from high risk to low risk.The exercise-based programmes in four trials consisted of both aerobic exercise and resistance training, in one trial consisted of Qi-gong (slow and graceful movements), and in another trial, consisted of inspiratory muscle training.For mortality, very low-quality evidence from six trials suggested no clear difference in deaths between the exercise and no-exercise groups (relative risk (RR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06 to 15.78; participants = 421; I² = 0%; deaths = 2). Very low-quality evidence from five trials suggested no clear difference between groups for serious adverse events (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.05; participants = 381; I² = 0%; events = 8). Low-quality evidence from two trials suggested no clear difference in health-related quality of life for the Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical component summary measure (mean difference (MD) 1.96, 95% CI -2.50 to 6.42; participants = 224; I² = 69%), or the SF-36 mental component summary measure (MD 1.99, 95% CI -0.48 to 4.46; participants = 224; I² = 0%). Exercise capacity was assessed by cumulated work, or maximal power (Watt), obtained by cycle ergometer, or by six minute walking test, or ergospirometry testing measuring VO2 peak. We found moderate-quality evidence from two studies that exercise-based rehabilitation increased exercise capacity, measured by VO2 peak, more than no exercise (MD 3.76, 95% CI 1.37 to 6.15; participants = 208; I² = 0%); and very low-quality evidence from four studies that exercise-based rehabilitation increased exercise capacity more than no exercise, measured by the six-minute walking test (MD 75.76, 95% CI 14.00 to 137.53; participants = 272; I² = 85%). When we combined the different assessment tools for exercise capacity, we found very low-quality evidence from six trials that exercise-based rehabilitation increased exercise capacity more than no exercise (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.86, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.26; participants = 359; I² = 65%). Overall, the quality of the evidence for the outcomes ranged from moderate to very-low.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Due to few randomised patients and outcomes, we could not evaluate the real impact of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on mortality or serious adverse events. The evidence showed no clinically relevant effect on health-related quality of life. Pooled data showed a positive effect on the surrogate outcome of physical exercise capacity, but due to the low number of patients and the moderate to very low-quality of the underpinning evidence, we could not be certain of the magnitude of the effect. Future high-quality randomised trials are needed to assess the benefits and harms of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for adults with atrial fibrillation on patient-relevant outcomes.

Depression and Physical Inactivity as Confounding the Effect of Obesity on Atrial Fibrillation

Obesity is associated with an increased likelihood for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) and with worsened AF symptom severity. However, other factors that are correlated with obesity may confound or mediate the relation of obesity with AF symptom severity. The purpose of this study was to determine if depression and physical inactivity may confound the association of obesity and AF symptom severity. Health status and demographic data were captured by questionnaire for 332 outpatients with documented AF. Weight/height was measured and body mass index (kg/m(2)) calculated. Recent depression symptom severity was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 questionnaire. Physical activity during the last month was assessed by questionnaire. AF symptom severity was assessed using the University of Toronto AF Severity scale. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate which factors were associated with AF symptom severity. Obesity in patients with AF is associated with increased depression severity. In bivariate analysis, increasing body mass index (p = 0.001), lower levels of physical activity (p <0.001), and more severe depression (p <0.001) were associated with worsened AF symptom severity. In multivariate analysis, only physical activity and depression persisted as significant predictors of AF symptom severity. In conclusion, although obesity likely contributes to the substrate predisposing to the development of AF, other factors may contribute to or mediate the worsened AF symptoms associated with obesity. Depression symptoms and physical inactivity, factors closely correlated with obesity, may exacerbate symptoms in patients with AF.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for adults after heart valve surgery

BACKGROUND

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation may benefit heart valve surgery patients. We conducted a systematic review to assess the evidence for the use of exercise-based intervention programmes following heart valve surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation compared with no exercise training intervention, or treatment as usual, in adults following heart valve surgery. We considered programmes including exercise training with or without another intervention (such as a psycho-educational component).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE); MEDLINE (Ovid); EMBASE (Ovid); CINAHL (EBSCO); PsycINFO (Ovid); LILACS (Bireme); and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-S (CPCI-S) on Web of Science (Thomson Reuters) on 23 March 2015. We handsearched Web of Science, bibliographies of systematic reviews and trial registers (ClinicalTrials.gov, Controlled-trials.com, and The World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised clinical trials that investigated exercise-based interventions compared with no exercise intervention control. The trial participants comprised adults aged 18 years or older who had undergone heart valve surgery for heart valve disease (from any cause) and received either heart valve replacement, or heart valve repair.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data. We assessed the risk of systematic errors ('bias') by evaluation of bias risk domains. Clinical and statistical heterogeneity were assessed. Meta-analyses were undertaken using both fixed-effect and random-effects models. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of evidence. We sought to assess the risk of random errors with trial sequential analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

We included two trials from 1987 and 2004 with a total 148 participants who have had heart valve surgery. Both trials had a high risk of bias.There was insufficient evidence at 3 to 6 months follow-up to judge the effect of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation compared to no exercise on mortality (RR 4.46 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22 to 90.78); participants = 104; studies = 1; quality of evidence: very low) and on serious adverse events (RR 1.15 (95% CI 0.37 to 3.62); participants = 148; studies = 2; quality of evidence: very low). Included trials did not report on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the secondary outcomes of New York Heart Association class, left ventricular ejection fraction and cost. We did find that, compared with control (no exercise), exercise-based rehabilitation may increase exercise capacity (SMD -0.47, 95% CI -0.81 to -0.13; participants = 140; studies = 2, quality of evidence: moderate). There was insufficient evidence at 12 months follow-up for the return to work outcome (RR 0.55 (95% CI 0.19 to 1.56); participants = 44; studies = 1; quality of evidence: low). Due to limited information, trial sequential analysis could not be performed as planned.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that exercise-based rehabilitation for adults after heart valve surgery, compared with no exercise, may improve exercise capacity. Due to a lack of evidence, we cannot evaluate the impact on other outcomes. Further high-quality randomised clinical trials are needed in order to assess the impact of exercise-based rehabilitation on patient-relevant outcomes, including mortality and quality of life.