Implementing a Mediterranean Diet App in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Nutritional Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to inflammation, symptoms, and reduced quality of life (QoL).
• The Mediterranean diet's anti-inflammatory potential is recognized, but its impact on AF patients remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a Mediterranean diet self-monitoring app (Olitor) in patients with symptomatic AF.
• To assess the preliminary effects of the app on inflammation, AF symptoms, and QoL.

Main Methods:

• A 3-month, single-arm, pre-post pilot study involving 12 participants with symptomatic paroxysmal AF.
• Participants used the Olitor app for weekly diet tracking and received tailored feedback.
• Key outcomes included retention rates, inflammatory markers, AF symptom burden, QoL, physical activity, diet knowledge, self-efficacy, and BMI.

Main Results:

• The study achieved 83% retention, indicating good feasibility.
• Significant reductions were observed in Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein.
• Improvements were noted in QoL, BMI, self-efficacy, and diet knowledge, with large effect sizes for family QoL and walking activity.

Conclusions:

• A Mediterranean diet app is a feasible intervention for patients with atrial fibrillation.
• Preliminary results suggest potential benefits for inflammation, QoL, and lifestyle factors.
• Further investigation is warranted to confirm these exploratory findings.