Regular Exercise Lessens Frequency of Episodes of Lone Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Lone Atrial Fibrillation is not associated with an underlying heart condition. Patients diagnosed with Lone Atrial Fibrillation suffer no mechanical barrier other than the arrhythmia caused by ectopic foci activated when not needed. Any case of Atrial Fibrillation is preceded by an incident of premature atrial contractions followed by a disturbance in normal sinus rhythm. The patient may depend on specific medications in order to control the arrhythmia in route to return to normal sinus rhythm. There is minimal evidence determining the influence of regular physical activity on cases of Lone Atrial Fibrillation. PURPOSE: To determine if regular exercise will lesson the frequency of episodes in a patient diagnosed with Lone Atrial Fibrillation during a 6 month period. METHODS: An oximeter was used to measure levels of blood oxygen saturation/ deprivation and resting heart rate on one patient (63yrs). The data from the oximeter was downloaded on the appropriate computer program each morning where the patient documented objective data regarding his level of energy, the amount of physical activity engaged in the previous day, and if any incidents of Atrial Fibrillation (including PAC's) occurred the previous 24 hours between recording data. RESULTS: Regular bouts of cycling at <60% patient's VO2max lessoned the frequency of episodes of reported Atrial Fibrillation along with increased levels of oxygen saturation and decreased resting heart rate. Frequency of episodes decreased the last 3 months that regular physical activity was engaged in. CONCLUSION: Incorporating regular physical activity will decrease the frequency of episodes of Lone Atrial Fibrillation in patients due to adaptations made by the heart.