Key points from article :
A new study highlights that even moderate amounts of physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation, the most common type of irregular heartbeat. Researchers from NYU Langone Health analyzed data from over 6,000 Fitbit users, providing an objective measure of exercise rather than relying on self-reports. They found that just 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly, such as brisk walking or jogging, lowered the risk of atrial fibrillation by 60%. Those exceeding 5 hours saw a slightly higher benefit.
Atrial fibrillation, which causes the heart’s upper chambers to beat irregularly, can lead to serious complications like stroke or heart failure if untreated. While previous studies linked exercise to reduced risk, this research is the largest to use activity trackers over an extended period, offering a clearer view of how consistent physical activity impacts heart health.
Dr. Sean P. Heffron, the study's senior author, emphasizes that marathon-level training isn’t necessary to see benefits—moderate activity over time can make a substantial difference. The team also accounted for factors like age, sex, and blood pressure, strengthening the link between exercise and lower atrial fibrillation risk.
This study demonstrates the value of wearable fitness trackers in medical research and plans are underway to examine other variables, such as the time of day exercise is performed. Researchers note that future studies should include more diverse populations to better understand how exercise impacts heart health across different groups.
