Those who averaged between 2.5 to 5 hours of physical activity weekly experienced a remarkable 60% reduction in Afib risk.

Dr. Sean P. Heffron emphasized that moderate activities like walking, gardening, and dancing can provide substantial heart health benefits without the need for extreme exercise regimens.

A recent study from NYU Langone Health reveals that participants engaging in moderate-to-vigorous exercise, such as brisk walking or jogging, significantly lower their risk of developing atrial fibrillation (Afib).

Unlike previous studies that relied on self-reported activity levels, this research utilized fitness devices for accurate data collection.

Atrial fibrillation is a common irregular heartbeat that can lead to serious health complications, including stroke and heart failure, affecting over 10 million adults in the U.S.

Future research will investigate how the timing of exercise, such as morning versus evening workouts, impacts heart health, although the current study did not establish direct causation.

The research, which analyzed data from over 6,000 Fitbit users, found that even an additional hour of exercise per week can decrease the risk of Afib by 11%.

This study is notable for its long-term tracking of participants' physical activity over a year, making it the largest of its kind to explore the relationship between exercise and Afib.

To further mitigate the risk of atrial fibrillation, individuals are encouraged to manage blood pressure and cholesterol, avoid tobacco, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, ensure adequate sleep, manage weight, and reduce stress.

The findings from this study will be presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024, scheduled for November 16-18 in Chicago.

The study was part of the All of Us Research Program by the National Institutes of Health, which aims to include diverse populations in medical studies, although this particular study's sample was predominantly college-educated white women.

Lead author Souptik Barua highlighted the importance of using Fitbits for providing objective data over extended periods, enhancing the reliability of the research.