Atrial Fibrillation and Obesity

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often fast heartbeat that can cause palpitations, breathlessness and a higher risk of stroke. Being overweight or obese is one of the strongest known risk factors for developing it, partly because extra fat enlarges and strains the upper chambers of the heart. Weight loss can reduce symptoms and may even help reverse the condition.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, and obesity is an independent, dose-dependent risk factor for its development. Excess adiposity promotes left atrial enlargement, epicardial fat deposition, diastolic dysfunction and autonomic remodelling, which together create an arrhythmogenic substrate. Sustained weight loss of 10 percent or more has been associated with reduced AF burden and, in some cohorts, arrhythmia-free survival without ablation.

Because weight loss directly improves heart rhythm outcomes, managing weight is part of comprehensive care for patients with or at risk of atrial fibrillation. We coordinate with your cardiologist to support this.