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Obesity linked to risk for new-onset Afib

A meta-analysis suggests that obesity may be associated with an increased risk for new-onset Afib, the association being consistent in both sexes. The findings were published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 16 studies assessing the effect of obesity on Afib identified through a literature search on the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases.

During follow-up, Afib onset was observed in 6.3% of obese individuals and in 3.1% non-obese individuals (risk ratio [RR], 1.51; P<.00001). When stratified by sex, the association between obesity and incident Afib was similar in men (RR, 1.41; P<.00001) and women (RR, 1.53; P<.00001).

According to the authors, inflammation could be a key link between obesity and Afib. The role of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein has been implicated in Afib development, Afib recurrence after cardioversion, progression from paroxysmal to permanent Afib and thromboembolic events. Adipose tissue is also known to produce proinflammatory substances including cytokines and leptin. However, it is still unclear whether targeting inflammation in obese individuals would decrease the risk for Afib.

The authors call for further investigation of the effects of weight loss interventions on the risk for Afib onset and Afib-associated morbidity and mortality in the obese population.


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