Exercise enhances cardiovascular health among the general population by reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation through moderate activities. A study conducted on more than 400,000 individuals showed that engaging in physical exercises for 150 to 300 minutes weekly reduces the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation by 10-15%. Women receive additional protection up to threefold (a 20% reduction), as reported by the newspaper ” “. Men who exceed the recommended activity level by tenfold (about seven hours weekly) show a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, unlike women, possibly due to the cardioprotective effects of estrogen which stabilize heart adaptations. Younger athletes appear more susceptible than older ones.
A Swedish analysis of 52,000 cross-country skiers linked increased race numbers and distances with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, reflecting the impact of cumulative load and intensity. The analyses confirm that athletes face a fourfold increased risk of atrial fibrillation, even without other heart issues. Meanwhile, regular runners training for marathons face lower risks, but athletes of large body size should monitor total load to avoid heart strain.
This finding highlights the dual nature of exercise: it is protective when moderate but risky when excessive for certain groups.
