Abstract P502: Lifestyle Modification for Secondary Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation: A Pilot Study

Background: Addressing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors through lifestyle interventions may be effective for secondary atrial fibrillation (AF) prevention. Aims: To assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an exercise and nutrition-based cardiac rehabilitation-like program for patients with symptomatic AF. Methods: We enrolled overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 28 kg/m 2 ) adults aged ≥ 30 years with symptomatic AF in a 12-week cardiac lifestyle group program, which included 6 virtual and 6 in-person visits. All visits included discussion and education about nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification. In-person visits included supervised aerobic exercise and strength training. Patients were evaluated to assess health history, diet, and baseline cardiac risk factors. Outcomes at baseline and 12 weeks included feasibility of participation, change in weight and BMI, acceptability, and changes in survey-based AF burden and symptoms, and AF-related quality of life (QOL). Results: From 84 invitees, 11 (13.1%) were enrolled (mean age 64; baseline BMI 38 kg/m 2 ; 45% female); 9 (82%) completed the program. Patients attended an average of 9.7 (81%) visits (Range: 6-11). Mean weight loss was 9.1 pounds (Range: 0-16) and mean BMI decrease was 1.4 kg/m 2 (Range: 0-2.6). Nine of 11 patients completed baseline and follow-up surveys (Table) . Patients found the program helpful overall: all reported making diet and exercise changes during the program; 8 (89%) were confident in continuing dietary changes and 7 (77%) were confident in continuing exercise changes after the program. Patients reported decreased AF burden and symptoms, and increased QOL at the conclusion of the program (Table) . Conclusions: Participation in a cardiac rehab-like program was feasible and acceptable for overweight patients with symptomatic AF. Results suggest preliminary effectiveness of the program for reducing AF burden and symptoms and increasing quality of life.