Obesity and atrial fibrillation: Prevalence, pathogenesis, and prognosis

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity are rising significantly. There is a shared association between these conditions with obesity predisposing individuals to a number of shared risk factors. In addition, obesity in itself has been shown to cause changes to the structure, function and hemodynamics of the heart. There is evi-dence to show that weight-loss has significant impact on AF symptoms, burden and more recently the potential to reverse the type of AF. Through risk factor management and in the case of morbid obesity, bariatric surgery, there is an improved prognosis for patients with AF and obesity. In this paper we provide a review of the current data on obesity and AF prevalence, pathogenesis and prognosis.Crown Copyright & COPY; 2023 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity are increasing. There is a shared association between these conditions, with obesity predisposing individuals to shared risk factors. Weight-loss has been shown to have a significant impact on AF symptoms, burden, and the potential to reverse the type of AF. Risk factor management and bariatric surgery offer improved prognosis for patients with AF and obesity. This paper reviews the current data on obesity and AF prevalence, pathogenesis, and prognosis.