Paradoxical Obesity in Atrial Fibrillation: Myth or Reality?
Keywords:
paradoxical obesity; atrial fibrillation; mortality.Abstract
Introduction: Obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation; however, it has been observed in patients diagnosed with this arrhythmia that it acts as a protective factor against mortality.
Objective: To update knowledge on the phenomenon of the obesity paradox in atrial fibrillation.
Method: A literature review of 20 articles was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Lilacs, and Cochrane Library databases via Google Scholar search engine. The search terms used were paradoxical obesity, atrial fibrillation, and mortality. Original articles, observational studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses published in Spanish or English from 2016 to 2024 were consulted.
Results: Obesity is a predictor of mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation; However, it has been shown to improve the prognosis for these patients by decreasing the rates of cerebrovascular events and systemic thromboembolisms, thus reducing mortality.
Conclusions: The obesity paradox is a reality in patients with atrial fibrillation.
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References
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