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Updated: May 25, 2026
08:10
Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
Atrial fibrillation, physical activity and endurance training
Sidsel Graff-Iversen1, Knut Gjesdal, Astanand Jugessur
1Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health andInstitute of Community Health, University of Tromsø, Norway. sgri@fhi.no
Summary
High-intensity endurance exercise, like running, may increase atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. However, less intense activities, such as walking, show no increased risk for developing AF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Physical exercise, particularly endurance training, is suggested to influence atrial fibrillation (AF) development.
- Existing clinical practice and research indicate a potential link between physical activity levels and AF incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the hypothesis that physical activity is connected to the development of atrial fibrillation.
- To differentiate the impact of various exercise intensities on AF risk.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of literature was conducted using PubMed, focusing on studies published between 1995 and March 2011.
- Original articles and recent reviews were screened, with 10 original studies ultimately included after methodological assessment.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests that high-intensity endurance training, exemplified by running, is associated with an increased risk of AF.
- No evidence was found to support an increased risk of AF from less intensive physical activities like walking.
- Several included studies exhibited methodological limitations.
Conclusions:
- Further research is required to clarify the relationship between training intensity, cumulative training volume, and AF.
- The influence of age-related changes on AF risk in the context of exercise needs additional investigation.
- Future studies should incorporate female participants to provide a more comprehensive understanding of exercise and AF.
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