How Does Being Overweight Contribute To The Development Of An Abnormal Heart Rhythm?

David Haines, M.D., Director, Heart Rhythm Center, Beaumont Hospitals
February 7, 2008

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Question: Do certain kinds of medications affect my risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm?

Dr. David Haines answers the question: 'Overweight And Heart Rhythm Risk?'

Answer :One of the strongest predictors of atrial fibrillation is patient's weight. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with a 60 percent increased likelihood of atrial fibrillation. Going hand-in-hand with obesity is high blood pressure that is in part caused by obesity and the high blood pressure caused changes in the atrium that makes it more susceptible to the fibrillation rhythm. This is one factor that a patient can work on to dramatically reduce their risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, arrhythmia and heart attack. That is, maintaining an ideal body weight.

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