Not a cure but weight loss and risk management (which seems obvious) may reverse the progression of AF

[netpi]

Weight Loss, Risk Management May Reverse Atrial Fibrillation Progression

Patrice WendlingMay 10, 2016

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Weight loss and aggressive risk factor management can alter atrial fibrillation (AF) disease progression in overweight or obese patients, results of a new study suggest[1].

The Prevention and Regressive Effect of Weight Loss and Risk Factor Modification on Atrial Fibrillation (REVERSE-AF) study examined the impact of obesity and weight loss on AF progression in 355 AF patients with a body-mass index (BMI) >27 kg/m2. It found that only 3% of patients with sustained weight loss >10% progressed from paroxysmal to persistent AF compared with 32% who lost 3% to 9% and 48% who lost <3% (P<0.001).

At the same time, 36% of patients with >10% weight loss had AF reversed from persistent to paroxysmal vs 17% in group 2 and 1% in group 3 (P<.001), lead investigator Ms Melissa Middeldorp (University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia) reported at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) 2016 Scientific Sessions.

Previous studies have shown the benefit of weight loss and lifestyle changes on AF symptom burden. "This, however, is showing the additive effect of actually reversing the disease and the substrate that may be causing that," she told heartwire from Medscape.

REVERSE-AF is the third study in a little over a year to support the benefits of weight loss and risk reduction in the management of AF. Last March, the Australian team also demonstrated a significant dose-response effect of weight reduction on AF symptom burden in the LEGACY trial. The data was quickly followed by the CARDIO-FIT trial showing that increased cardiorespiratory fitness is linked to a dose-dependent reduction in AF symptoms and also predicts recurrence in obese patients.

Middeldorp said with the rising tide of obesity, a continual increase in the conditions and AF associated with it can be expected. "So dealing with the root of the problem is a very important factor and should be established in all clinics around the world."

After the publication of LEGACY, however, some argued that a randomized trial is needed to evaluate the real effect of weight loss on AF, citing several potential sources of selection bias in the study, including greater dietary counseling participation in patients with the highest weight loss, older age in this group, and a lack of details on comorbidities, AF treatments, and study dropouts.

For REVERSE-AF, the 355 patients were drawn from 825 of 1415 consecutive patients who had a BMI >27 kg/m2. Exclusions included 10 patients with terminal cancer, 20 with inflammatory diagnoses that might affect the AF substrate, 77 with severe medical illnesses, 84 with permanent AF, 90 with previous AF ablation, 12 with previous AV node ablation, and 177 patients from other centers without sufficient follow-up, Middeldorp said.

The patients had similar baseline characteristics and all underwent aggressive, tailored risk management including weight counseling and exercise in a protocol in press in the European Heart Journal.

Baseline Characteristics

Characteristic<3% weight loss (n=116)3%–9% weight loss (n=104)> 10% weight loss (n=135)P

Age (y)6163650.06

BMI, kg/m232.932.733.60.24

Hypertension (%)7873810.30

Diabetes (%)2927300.35

Hyperlipidemia (%)4844490.70

CAD (%)912160.31

Paroxysmal AF (%)5360540.55

Increasing weight loss resulted in a dramatic decline in the need for ablation, although the number of patients requiring AV node ablation or pacemaker implantation was similar between groups, Middeldorp said.

Results

Outcome<3% weight loss (n=116),%3%–9% weight loss (n=104), %>10% weight loss (n=135), %P

Ablation8778540.03

AV node ablation5540.9

Pacemaker implantation3834270.08

For every one-unit decline in body mass index, there was a 54% reduction in progression from paroxysmal to persistent AF (odds ratio 0.46, 95% CI 0.35–0.59) and a 71% increase in regression from persistent to paroxysmal AF (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.41–2.07), she said.

"Weight loss and risk-factor management are essential components in the treatment of atrial fibrillation to alter AF disease progression," she concluded.

The authors reported no relevant financial disclosures.

[BobD Volunteer]

I think this is well known and accepted especially in USA.  Also reduction in reliance on meat based foods and increase in plant based products as well as removal of alcohol. smoking etc. All the usual health risk factor in fact.

[Janco]

So basicly it's lose fat and you could lose your AFIB? Or very close to it.

If you are overweight your heart has to work that much harder.

Thanx for the post.

Janco

myafibheart.com

[netpi in reply to Janco]

The implication is a slowing of the progression of AF, but not a cure 

[Craggy]

Weight loss, change of diet, giving up alcohol and trying to keep stress under control has worked for me. My last episode of PAF was over 12 months ago (at its peak I was having several episodes a month.)

[Hidden in reply to Craggy]

That is encouraging, I am beginning this journey, been 5 mo, 2 episodes counting first one. Couldnt ex much because meds were hard, just started pip a week ago, energy level good. 10 lb down, 40 to go

[tony85]

I have not had any more episodes of noticeable AF since I reduced my weight by more than 10%

[Hidden]

I haven't had an AF episode since I lost over 10% of my weight. Also eating a lot more veggies/fruit and less meat, and not a great deal of booze. And keeping my fingers crossed!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

About time you changed your username Liz 😄

Eatsalotlessie?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Haha yes, sounds like a plan!

[maryjc]

Wish this had happened for me. I've lost 4.5 stone over the last five years but my AFib is now persistant! Still in some ways it is easier to deal with than not knowing when it would attaack. Wish I didn't feel so tired all the time though.

[AlanAF]

I lost over 10% of my weight, taking me from overweight to normal weight.  I haven't had caffeine for nearly 10 years.  I haven't had any alcohol since August last year.  I am a vegetarian anyway, so can't cut down on meat, but did improve the quality of my diet considerably.  But I have still got PAF.  Only the drugs and ablation has controlled it.

I am happy for anyone who has had success with this, but I don't believe it works for everyone, though it is good advise anyway.