Exercise appears to lower atrial fibrillation and stroke risk

New evidence suggests a powerful connection.

For years, doctors have debated whether exercise might help lower the risk for atrial fibrillation (afib), a common and potentially dangerous irregular heartbeat (see "What is atrial fibrillation?"). Some evidence has suggested a benefit, but the link has been unclear. "It’s come from self-reported information from study participants, which isn’t an exact science," says Dr. Steven Lubitz, an electro­physiologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

Exercise guidelines have also contributed to the debate. "The recommendation of 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity isn’t based on a specific disease like afib," says Dr. Lubitz. "It’s based on strong evidence that such regular exercise reduces your risk of many different diseases and your risk of premature death. Reducing your risk of afib is just one benefit of regular exercise."