Lifestyle and risk factor modification in atrial fibrillation: a European Heart Rhythm Association survey

Lifestyle and risk factor modification (LRFM) forms a central pillar in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). This European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey aims to assess current clinical practice regarding LRFM across EHRA countries.

A 31-item questionnaire was developed and distributed amongst healthcare professionals via the EHRA and social media, between 23 September and 21 October 2024. Of 258 respondents from 28 countries, 39.9% reported that their healthcare system is badly or very badly designed to deliver meaningful LRFM. Risk factors that respondents felt least confident managing included psychological distress (42.2% of respondents not confident), sleep-disordered breathing (33.8%), and obesity (22.4%). Respondents estimated that 70% of patients with AF at their institution may benefit from exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation but that only 10% are referred for this. The most important barrier to cardiac rehabilitation in AF was identified as local programmes not accepting patients with AF only (42.1% of respondents). Despite 37.7% of respondents using a body mass index cut-off when deciding on catheter ablation suitability (with a mean cut-off of 36.7 ± 5.4 kg/m²), only 23.5% of patients with obesity are referred for formal dietary advice. Lack of patient motivation or engagement was identified as the most important barrier to weight loss (41.3% of respondents). Moreover, 89.6% of respondents routinely assess their patient's alcohol intake, whilst only 23.9% systemically assess for psychological distress and 16.5% for sleep-disordered breathing.

Delivering comprehensive LRFM in AF poses significant challenges. Improvements to healthcare infrastructures are required to successfully implement meaningful LRFM.