Article

Although commonly associated with cardiovascular disease or other medical
conditions, atrial fibrillation may also occur in individuals without any known
underlying conditions. This manifestation of atrial fibrillation has been linked
to extensive and long-term exercise, as prolonged endurance exercise has shown to
increase prevalence and risk of atrial fibrillation. In contrast, more modest
physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of atrial fibrillation, and
current research indicates a
J-shaped association between atrial fibrillation and
the broad range of physical activity and exercise. This has led to the hypothesis
that the mechanisms underlying an increased risk of atrial fibrillation with
intensive exercise are different from those underlying a reduced risk with
moderate physical activity, possibly linked to distinctive characteristics of the
population under study. High volumes of exercise over many years performed by
lean, healthy endurance trained athletes may lead to cardiac (patho)physiological
alterations involving the autonomic nervous system and remodelling of the heart.
The mechanisms underlying a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation with light and
moderate physical activity may involve a distinctive pathway, as physical
activity can potentially reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation through
favourable effects on cardiovascular risk factors.

Langue : ANGLAIS