Key result
Higher cardiorespiratory fitness reduces incident AF and stroke risk, though AF benefits plateau.
Why the study?
Evidence linking cardiorespiratory fitness with the risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke is inconsistent, and specific fitness thresholds beyond which risk does not decrease remain poorly defined.
Does increasing cardiorespiratory fitness reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke in the general population?
Does increasing cardiorespiratory fitness reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke in the general population?
Increasing cardiorespiratory fitness reduces the risk of AF and stroke, though benefits for AF plateau at higher fitness levels while stroke risk continues to decrease.
May support promoting cardiorespiratory fitness to lower AF and stroke risk; leaves open causal confirmation in randomized trials.
INTRODUCTION: The body of evidence linking cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke - two interconnected cardiovascular conditions - is not entirely consistent. Furthermore, specific CRF thresholds beyond which the risk of AF or stroke might not decrease are not well defined. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes research evidence on the role of CRF in the development of AF and stroke including dose-response relationships in general population participants, explores the biological mechanisms through which CRF may exert its effects, assesses the potential implications for clinical care and population health, identifies gaps in the current evidence, and suggest directions for future research. MEDLINE and Embase were searched from inception until July 2024 to identify observational longitudinal and interventional studies as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to these study designs. EXPERT OPINION: In the general population, increasing levels of CRF, achieved through consistent physical activity, can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing AF and stroke. The findings also advocate for a tailored approach to exercise prescriptions, acknowledging the plateau in benefits for AF risk beyond certain CRF levels, while advocating for higher intensity or prolonged activity to further reduce stroke risk.
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Kunutsor et al. (2024) conducted a review in Atrial fibrillation and stroke. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was evaluated on Development of atrial fibrillation and stroke. Increasing levels of cardiorespiratory fitness can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation and stroke in the general population, with a plateau in benefits for AF risk.
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