Sustained Weight Loss Improves Arial Fibrillation Control

Dr Rajeev Kumar Pathak MBBS, FRACP Cardiologist and Electrophysiology Fellow Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders | University of Adelaide Cardiovascular Investigation Unit | Royal Adelaide Hospital Adelaide AustraliaMedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr Rajeev Kumar Pathak MBBS, FRACP
Cardiologist and Electrophysiology Fellow
Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders | University of Adelaide
Cardiovascular Investigation Unit | Royal Adelaide Hospital Adelaide Australia

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Obesity and atrial fibrillation (AF) are dual epidemics that frequently coexist. Weight-loss reduces atrial fibrillation burden; however, whether this is sustained, has a dose effect or is influenced by weight-fluctuation is not known. In this study we evaluated the  long-term impact of weight-loss and weight-fluctuation on rhythm control in obese individuals with atrial fibrillation.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Response:

  • Sustained weight loss is associated with dose dependent reduction in atrial fibrillation burden and maintenance of sinus rhythm.
  • >5% Weight fluctuation dampens the benefit conferred by weight loss.
  • A dedicated clinic improves patient engagement, promoting treatment adherence, preventing weight regain and fluctuation.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: A randomised clinical trial is already underway looking at the impact of goal directed risk factor management on atrial fibrillation burden and ablation. Mechanistic studies look at the the impact of weight loss on blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and Lipid profile will be some of the useful studies which should follow.

Citation:

Prashanthan Sanders et al. Long-Term Effect of Goal Directed Weight Management in an Atrial Fibrillation Cohort: A Long-term Follow-Up StudY (LEGACY Study). JACC, March 2015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.03.002

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MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr Rajeev Kumar Pathak MBBS, FRACP (2015). Sustained Weight Loss Improves Arial Fibrillation Control 

Last Updated on March 18, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD