1
|
Wang Y, Wang Y, Xu D. Effects of different exercise methods and intensities on the incidence and prognosis of atrial fibrillation. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2024:S1050-1738(24)00002-1. [PMID: 38216075 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yueyang Central Hospital, China
| | - Danyan Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vidal-Almela S, Terada T, Cole CA, O’Neill CD, Comeau K, Marçal IR, Pipe AL, Reed JL. A case series of acute responses to high-intensity interval training in four males with permanent atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2022; 6:ytac320. [PMID: 35965609 PMCID: PMC9366644 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytac320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a serious medical condition and a burgeoning patient population. Chronic exercise training, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), has been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with AF. Yet, the acute responses to HIIT in this population remain understudied, leaving clinicians and patients hesitant about prescribing and engaging in high-intensity exercise, respectively.
Case summary
This case series describes acute exercise responses [i.e. power output, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), symptoms] to 10 weeks (3 days/week) of HIIT. Participants were four white males (58–80 years old) with permanent AF, co-morbidities (diabetes, coronary artery disease, Parkinson’s disease), and physical limitations. The increases in HR and BP during HIIT were modest across all participants, regardless of age and medication use. Differences in RPE were observed; the oldest participant perceived the sessions as more challenging despite a lower HR response. All patients complied with the HIIT prescription of 80–100% of peak power output by week 4. No adverse events were reported.
Discussion
Patients’ concerns regarding high-intensity exercise may discourage them from participating in HIIT, our results demonstrated no abnormal HR or BP (e.g. hypotension) responses during HIIT or cool-down. These findings align with the typical exercise responses noted in other cardiovascular populations. Notwithstanding the high metabolic demands of HIIT, male patients with permanent AF tolerated HIIT without problem. Further investigation of HIIT as an approach to enable those with AF to recover physical capacity and minimize symptomatology is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sol Vidal-Almela
- Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab, Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute , Ottawa, 40 Ruskin Street, Ontario , Canada K1Y 4W7
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada K1Y 4W7
| | - Tasuku Terada
- Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab, Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute , Ottawa, 40 Ruskin Street, Ontario , Canada K1Y 4W7
| | - Christie A Cole
- Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab, Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute , Ottawa, 40 Ruskin Street, Ontario , Canada K1Y 4W7
| | - Carley D O’Neill
- Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab, Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute , Ottawa, 40 Ruskin Street, Ontario , Canada K1Y 4W7
| | - Katelyn Comeau
- Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab, Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute , Ottawa, 40 Ruskin Street, Ontario , Canada K1Y 4W7
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada K1Y 4W7
| | - Isabela R Marçal
- Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab, Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute , Ottawa, 40 Ruskin Street, Ontario , Canada K1Y 4W7
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada K1Y 4W7
| | - Andrew L Pipe
- Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab, Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute , Ottawa, 40 Ruskin Street, Ontario , Canada K1Y 4W7
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada K1H 8M5
| | - Jennifer L Reed
- Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab, Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute , Ottawa, 40 Ruskin Street, Ontario , Canada K1Y 4W7
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada K1Y 4W7
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada K1H 8M5
| |
Collapse
|