Unraveling the Nexus between Obesity and Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Implications | Chapter 6 | Advanced Concepts in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 12

Background: The prevalence of obesity and atrial fibrillation (AF), which are inextricably linked, is rapidly increasing worldwide. Recent studies suggest that effectiveness of weight loss in reducing AF risk. Therefore, it is necessary to unravel the nexus between obesity and atrial fibrillation.

Purpose: The focus of this review is to discuss the epidemiology of obesity and AF, summarize the mechanisms by which obesity triggers AF, and emphasize how weight loss improves the prognosis of AF.

Results: Epidemiological data indicates obese patients are more likely to develop AF, but there is still controversy. The underlying mechanism of obesity leading to atrial fibrillation is quite complex. Obesity-related hypertension, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea are associated with AF. Additionally, increased epicardial fat, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress caused by obesity can induce atrial enlargement, inflammatory activation, local myocardial fibrosis, and electrical conduction abnormalities, all of which led to AF and promoted its persistence. Weight loss reduced the risk and reversed natural progression of AF, However, fluctuations in weight offset the benefits of weight loss. Therefore, the importance of steady weight loss urges clinicians to incorporate weight management interventions in the treatment of patients with AF.

Author(s) Details:

Hongyang Shu,
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China and Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.

Jia Cheng,
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China and Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.

Na Li,
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China and Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.

Zixuan Zhang,
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China and Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.

Jiali Nie,
Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China and Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.

Yizhong Peng,
Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.

Yan Wang,
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China and Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.

Dao Wen Wang,
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China and Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.

Ning Zhou,
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China and Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/ACMMR-V12/article/view/12971