[Lifestyle modification and risk factor control in the prevention and treatment of atrial fibrillation]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia and is related with significant morbidity, mortality and costs. In spite of relevant advances in the prevention of embolic events and rhythm control, little has been done to reduce its prevalence, progression and impact, since it increases with ageing as well as with common risk factors such as alcohol intake, tobacco use and stress as well as with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, sleep apnea, kidney failure, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, ischemic heart disease and stroke, among other important comorbidities. Fortunately, new evidence suggests that lifestyle modifications and adequate risk factors and comorbidities control could be effective in primary and secondary AF prevention, especially in its paroxysmal presentations. This is why a multidisciplinary approach integrating lifestyle modifications, risk factors and comorbidities control, is necessary in conjunction with rhythm or rate control and anticoagulation. Unfortunately, that holistic approach strategy is not considered, is scarcely studied or is subtilized in general clinical practice. The present statement's objectives are to: 1) review the relationship between habits, risk factors and illnesses with AF, 2) review the individual and common physiopathology mechanisms of each one of those conditions that may lead to AF, 3) review the effect of control of habits, risk factors and co-morbidities on the control and impact of AF, and 4) supply guidelines and recommendations to start multidisciplinary and integrative AF treatment.