Weight Loss is an important step in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF), and can reverse progression of AF.
This important study, from the group in Melbourne who have previously demonstrated links between AF and sleep apnoea, obesity, and the metabolic risk profile, is an extension of the groups strong interest in modifying risk factors for AF.
This study looked at over 1400 patients, and found that an astonishing 88% of patients who managed to lose > 10% of body weight were able to reverse AF either to normal rhythm or from persistent to paroxysmal (intermittent) AF.
Obesity should be a strong target for therapy in all patients with AF, and needs to be addressed head on with active forms of weight loss management and risk factor modification.
Dr P Boon Lim
