Atrial fibrillation is a condition that causes abnormal heart rhythm. In it, two chambers of the heart stop beating steadily, instead twitching. This disrupted rhythm is the most common irregular heartbeat. It is quite common in adults over the age of 65. Its underlying danger is that blood can clot, which in turn could travel to the brain or heart.
A new study has found that an old friend is full of benefits. Exercise, just light to moderate, could help prevent atrial fibrillation from occurring — even in people who are most susceptible. Light exercise means walking a short distance, doing some easy laps in the pool, or even doing a few dances at someone’s wedding.
People who were athletic in their prime are more prone to atrial fibrillation later in life. For them, continuing with the light exercise on a regular basis is important in keeping a steady heart. Of those over 65, about 20% develop atrial fibrillation. Researchers compared the exercise levels of nearly 5,500 adults to see what the risk of irregular heartbeat was. The participants were, on average, 73 years old.
It is believed to be the first major study to address this issue in older adults. And it found that light to moderate exercise was directly linked to a lower risk of atrial fibrillation. People who walked between five and 11 blocks per week had 22% lower risk than those who walked the equivalent of five blocks or less per week. The risk was lower and lower depending on how far the people walked, indicating that the more light exercise one does, the better the heartbeat.
At the top of the spectrum, those who walked the most had a 50% lower risk of atrial fibrillation than those who walked the least.
A second study in Texas is currently underway to see if patients who already have irregular heartbeat can improve their quality of life through light to moderate exercise. The amount they are doing is 45 minutes a day for three or four days a week, generally riding stationary bikes or walking. While we wait for the study’s conclusion, the researchers are reporting that people are feeling and functioning better already.
Alongside atrial fibrillation, aerobic exercise has a slew of other benefits for the cardiovascular system, including lowering blood pressure, helping shed pounds, and cutting chest pain.
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