Obesity phenotypes and their relationships with atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Background This study assessed the associations of metabolic obesity phenotypes with the risk of atrial fibrillation (Afib). Methods This prospective cohort study categorized Taiwanese adults according to their body mass index (BMI) and metabolic health status at baseline. We assigned the participants to the underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI = 18.5–23.9 kg/m2), and overweight/obesity groups (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2). Metabolically healthy was defined as absence of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia and the presence of healthy metabolic profiles. Results In total, 5,742 adults were included. During a median follow-up of 13.7 years, 148 patients developed Afib. Compared to the metabolically healthy normal weight group, the risk of Afib was significantly higher than those in the metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (hazard ratio = 2.20, 95% confidence interval [1.12–4.33]) and metabolically unhealthy normal weight groups (HR = 2.64, 95% CI [1.34–5.17]). Additionally, the point estimate suggested a 1.97-fold greater risk among the metabolically healthy overweight/obesity group, although this difference was not significant given the wide confidence interval (HR = 1.97, 95% CI [0.80–4.86]). Conclusion Our results demonstrated the relationships of metabolic health and weight regarding the risk of Afib in Taiwanese adults. The Afib risk among metabolic and obesity phenotypes is associated with a metabolically unhealthy status. A trend toward a higher Afib risk with obesity among metabolically healthy subjects was observed. However, the result was not robust and it still suggested further study.

Obesity phenotypes and cardiovascular risk: From pathophysiology to clinical management

“…Of interest, a single study evaluated the incidence of HF in MUNW compared with MHO so far, reporting a twofold risk over 6 years [ 206 ]. Regarding AF, MUNW carries twofold increased risk as compared with healthy people or to MHO/MUO individuals [ 207 ].…”

Association between metabolically healthy obesity and risk of atrial fibrillation: taking physical activity into consideration

“…However, evidence of metabolic status in relation to AF among obese individuals remains scarce. Hence, the relationship between metabolic status and AF risk in the obese population requires further exploration [13].…”