Effects on atrial fibrillation symptom burden of an obesity-focused cardiac rehabilitation program: Insights from the OPTICARE XL trial

Netherlands Heart Journal 2026 Open access

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Authors: N Tenbult - Van Limpt, Richard A. J. Post, Nienke ter Hoeve, Iris den Uijl, Madoka Sunamura, Yuan Lü, Eric Boersma, Rita Van den Berg - Emons, Hareld Kemps, Rutger Brouwers
DOI: 10.1007/s12471-026-02079-x
Cited by: 1
References: 10

Abstract

Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) [ 1 ]. Sustained weight loss and regular exercise are therefore key components of AF management [ 2 ]. In symptomatic AF populations, comprehensive risk factor management programmes targeting weight loss, physical activity, and behavioural change have been associated with reduced AF recurrence and symptom burden [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) provides a scalable framework for lifestyle modification, risk factor management (including weight loss), and improvement of exercise capacity and quality of life [ 5 ]. Whether CR, particularly when tailored for patients with obesity, is effective to reduce AF symptom burden remains uncertain [ 6 ]. We therefore evaluated the effect of an obesity-focused CR programme on AF symptom burden in patients with non-valvular AF [ 7 ].

Fields of Study & Subjects

Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes Cardiac Health and Mental Health Cardiovascular Disease and Adiposity

Publication details

Journal / source
Netherlands Heart Journal
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
34
Issue
10
Pages
384-386
Publication date
9 September 2026
Language
EN