Aerobic Interval Training Reduces the Burden of Atrial Fibrillation in the Short Term

[kitenski]

Interesting article here that I just came across

ahajournals.org/doi/full/10...

Background—

Exercise training is an effective treatment for important atrial fibrillation (AF) comorbidities. However, a high level of endurance exercise is associated with an increased AF prevalence.

[Hidden]

Thanks. A very comprehensive study with interesting outcomes in the HIT arm.

However, I could not find any definition of the control group's "normal exercise" activity, nor any suggested explanation for their unlikely increased AF burden over such a short period.

Looks promising enough for a much larger study.

[kitenski in reply to Hidden]

yes, shame there is no definition of what the control group did. I also want to see what a defintion of high leve is from this sentence " high level of endurance exercise is associated with an increased AF prevalence."

[BuckleyBoy]

Interesting. I'm thinking I could apply this myself (as a regular cyclist). I don't think it is likely to to do any harm ?

[MarkS]

I do HIIT a couple of times a week. But mine is for a shorter duration. I cycle up a hill quite fast for 30 secs, then slow down for 2-3 mins then do it again about 4 times. So that just takes about 15 mins. I also go to the gym, swim, walk, etc. but generally my exercise is a lot lower than before my ablation. I believe excessive endurance exercise could have been the underlying cause of my AF (together with a genetic component and not great oral hygiene).

[Snowcatdaddy in reply to MarkS]

All good! Tabatas, 10-20-30's on the bike heading home after a leisurely morning ride!! Check out the study on the heart protective value of doing 40 consecutive push ups daily! Keep the endorphins coming!

[kitenski in reply to Snowcatdaddy]

Do you have a link to that please?

[Snowcatdaddy]

Heart health benefits of 40 push-ups daily on google. Several articles appear.

[Ianc2]

Interesting conclusions. Thanks for the post.

' Exercise for 12 weeks reduces the arrhythmic burden in AF patients. It is associated with significant improvements in AF symptoms, exercise capacity, left atrial and ventricular function, lipid levels, and QoL. Further studies are needed to find the optimal intensity and amount of exercise training over a longer period of time and to explore the mechanisms of exercise-induced effects in AF. These findings support the concept that interventions aimed at lifestyle and risk factors should be central in the management of patients with AF'.

Fits in with a lot of other studies, another piece in the puzzle.