Lifestyle management to prevent and treat atrial fibrillation.
BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia with a one in four lifetime risk in adults over the age of forty. Traditionally, AF management has focused on the three pillars of rate control, rhythm control and appropriate anticoagulation to reduce stroke risk. More recently, the importance of cardiovascular risk factor management in AF has emerged as a fourth and essential pillar with improved patient outcomes.


METHODS
Here, we aim to summarize the current available evidence for the association between various modifiable risk factors and AF, and to identify optimal treatment targets to improve outcomes. Expert Commentary: Care for AF patients utilizing an integrated approach and aggressive lifestyle management may reduce the enormous burden of this arrhythmia.
a Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital , Adelaide , Australia.
Celine
C
Gallagher
a Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital , Adelaide , Australia.
Jeroen M L
JM
Hendriks
a Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital , Adelaide , Australia.
Rajiv
R
Mahajan
a Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital , Adelaide , Australia.
Melissa E
ME
Middeldorp
a Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital , Adelaide , Australia.
Adrian D
AD
Elliott
a Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital , Adelaide , Australia.
Rajeev K
RK
Pathak
a Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital , Adelaide , Australia.
Prashanthan
P
Sanders
a Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital , Adelaide , Australia.
Dennis H
DH
Lau
D000328:Adult; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D012307:Risk Factors
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
Atrial fibrillation; integrated care; lifestyle modification; multidisciplinary care; risk factor