A new analysis of research studies has found that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation can reduce the severity, frequency, and return of atrial fibrillation (AF)—the most common type of irregular heartbeat.
The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine and suggest that this type of rehab may also improve physical fitness and mental health, all without serious side effects.
AF happens when the heart’s upper chambers, called the atria, beat in a shaky or uneven way instead of smoothly. This throws off the heart’s rhythm and may cause symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
People with AF are also at greater risk of stroke and heart failure. Experts estimate that by 2050, up to 12 million Americans and 18 million Europeans could develop this condition.
Currently, treatment for AF includes medications and procedures, but helping patients manage their own condition can also make a big difference. That’s where cardiac rehabilitation comes in.
This type of program typically includes exercise sessions along with education about healthy habits, stress management, and risk factor control. It is already used for people recovering from heart attacks, heart failure, or stent procedures. However, until now, it wasn’t clear whether it also works well for people with AF.
To find out, researchers reviewed 20 clinical trials from around the world involving 2,039 people with AF. The trials ran between 2006 and 2024 and tracked participants for an average of 11 months. Some programs included only exercise, while others included both exercise and education or psychological support.
The results were promising. People who did cardiac rehab saw a 39% drop in symptom severity, a 43% drop in how often they had AF episodes, and a 42% drop in how long those episodes lasted. They were also 32% less likely to have their AF return. Participants also improved their exercise ability and mental well-being.
Importantly, these benefits were seen regardless of the type of AF people had, how long the rehab lasted, how intense the exercise was, or how the rehab was delivered. The programs were also safe. The rates of death and serious side effects were very low and similar between those who did rehab and those who didn’t.
Still, the researchers did point out some limitations. Many of the trials were small and short, and most participants were men. Some studies didn’t provide enough details about their methods. Even so, the results clearly suggest that adding exercise-based rehab to AF treatment can offer real benefits.
Why does exercise help? Experts believe it may reduce stiffness and scarring in the heart’s atria, helping the heart beat more normally. Exercise is also known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression—issues that can worsen AF symptoms.
The researchers believe that current medical guidelines should be updated to recommend exercise-based rehab for people with AF, alongside standard treatments like medications and procedures.
In a related editorial, two heart experts from London agreed. They said that exercise is one of the best, most cost-effective tools for improving heart health. They also pointed out that doctors and patients may worry that exercise could trigger AF, but the evidence shows that moderate exercise is safe and helpful for most people.
They also stressed that rehab programs should be tailored to each person’s needs, including their other health issues, fitness level, and mental health.
In summary, this updated review shows that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is not only safe but also effective in managing AF. It offers a valuable way to help people feel better, stay healthier, and possibly prevent future problems.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk, and herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm.
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