Weight Gain Over Five Years Linked to Higher Risk of Atrial Fibrillation

Obesity has long been recognized as a significant risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder associated with numerous health complications. While studies have highlighted the relationship between obesity and AF, less is known about the impact of weight changes over time on the risk of developing this condition.

Researchers have found in a new study that Gaining weight over a period of five years was associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation compared to maintaining a stable weight.

The study has appeared in the European Journal Of Preventive Cardiology.

In the instant study Dr. Tanja C and colleagues delved into this topic, investigating the association between five-year weight changes and the incidence of AF.

The study was conducted using data from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort. Researchers examined the body mass index (BMI) of participants at the baseline examination and then again five years later. Participants were selected if they had no prior history of AF. Information on AF diagnoses and comorbidities was obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry.

• A total of 43,758 participants without a prior AF diagnosis were included in the study.
  
• The median age of participants was 61 years, with 54% being female.
• Over a median follow-up period of 15.7 years, 5,312 individuals developed AF, resulting in an incidence rate of 8.6 per 1,000 person-years.
• The study found that compared to individuals who maintained a stable weight, those who gained between 2.5 to 5 BMI units (kg/m2) over five years had a 24% higher risk of developing AF (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.09-1.41).
• Individuals who experienced weight gain of 5 or more BMI units (kg/m2) over five years were at an even greater risk, with a 95% higher risk of incident AF (HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.48-2.56).
• The study did not find a statistically significant association between weight loss and the risk of AF.

The study's findings emphasise the importance of weight management in reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation. Individuals who gained significant weight over a five-year period were more likely to develop AF compared to those who maintained a stable weight. These results underscore the significance of weight control as a preventive measure against AF, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers and individuals looking to mitigate their risk of this heart condition.

Reference:

Frederiksen, T. C., Krogh Christiansen, M., Benjamin, E. J., Overvad, K., Olsen, A., Dahm, C. C., & Kjærulf Jensen, H. (2023). Five-year changes in weight and risk of atrial fibrillation in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, zwad300. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad300