Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation A Weighty Problem ∗

The incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) are increasing globally, and the arrhythmia has profound impact on patient outcomes (1). The precise reasons for the rising AF epidemic are unclear, and proposed causes include the aging population and increased incidence of risk factors such as hypertension and obesity. Data showing the link between cardiometabolic risk factors and AF are accumulating (2–6). The growing epidemic of obesity could be at the crux of many of these risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Evidence for a causative or contributory role of obesity in AF could not only change our approach to obese patients with AF but also change the emphasis on primary prevention by controlling the obesity epidemic.
Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research