Physical Activity

English | 中文 | हिन्दी | Español | Français | العربية | Português | Русский | Deutsch | 日本語 | 한국어 | Italiano | Türkçe | Polski | Slovak

Regular aerobic physical activity is recommended for the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) and all cardiovascular diseases.

In patients with AF, provided that AF does not limit participation in sports, the following is recommended:

• Moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking, cycling, running, hiking):
• 30 minutes daily, at least 5 days per week.
• The target heart rate is 50–70% of the maximum heart rate.
• Maximum heart rate is calculated using the formula: 220 − age.

Physical Activity
Definition Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure above basal metabolic rate.
Symptoms (in case of insufficient physical activity) Weakness Exercise intolerance Elevated heart rate Anxiety Depression Insomnia Impaired concentration
Diagnosis Targeted question whether the patient performs moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking, cycling, running, hiking) at least 5 days per week for 30 minutes.

The incidence of AF is 2 to 10 times higher in extreme and elite athletes compared with the general population.

• Extreme endurance sports (marathon, triathlon, running, cycling, swimming) lead to more pronounced cardiac remodelling, including fibrosis and left atrial dilatation, thereby creating a substrate for AF.
• So-called vagal AF develops in athletes.

Physical Activity and Atrial Fibrillation	Class
Regular moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking, cycling, running), at least 5 days per week for 30 minutes, reduces the incidence and improves the clinical course of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, AF must not limit the patient’s ability to participate in sports.	I

These guidelines are unofficial and do not represent formal guidelines issued by any professional cardiology society. They are intended for educational and informational purposes only.