Obesity Linked to Atrial Fibrillation

A new study has found an association between obesity and the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). The finding was reported in the November 24, 2004, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Investigators studied 5,282 participants in the Framingham Heart Study, conducted by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI, Bethesda, MD, USA), who did not have AF when the study began. These subjects were divided into three categories of body mass index (BMI): normal, overweight, and obese. Over a period of about 14 years, the investigators found that the incidence of AF increased as BMI increased, for both men and women. For those with the highest BMI, the AF risk could increase by 50%.

These findings should be confirmed by other observational studies, according to Daniel Levy, M.D., a co-author of the study and director of the Framingham Heart Study. If the study is validated, Dr. Levy believes weight control may lower the risk for AF, in addition to reducing risk for hypertension, diabetes, and other obesity-related complications.




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