Risk Factor Management for Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in the general population. Many cardiovascular diseases and concomitant conditions increase the risk of the development of AF, recurrent AF, and AF-associated complications. Knowledge of these factors and their management is hence important for the optimal management of patients with AF. Recent studies have suggested that lowering the blood pressure threshold can improve the patients' outcome. Moreover, adverse events associated with a longer duration of hypertension can be prevented through strict blood pressure control. Pre-hypertension, impaired fasting glucose, abdominal obesity, weight fluctuation, and exposure to air pollution are related to the development of AF. Finally, female sex is not a risk factor of stroke, and the age threshold for stroke prevention should be lowered in Asian populations. The management of diseases related to AF should be provided continuously, whereas lifestyle factors should be monitored in an integrated manner.