Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Prevention starts before AF diagnosis and continues afterward. Blood pressure, metabolic health, sleep, activity, and alcohol exposure influence the atrial substrate and overlap with other care goals. Connect these priorities to what matters to the patient—stamina, sleep, independence, or fewer symptomatic episodes.

Agree on one or two achievable priorities. Build on existing care, share follow-up responsibility, and revisit progress and barriers during routine visits to reduce fragmented referrals and repeated counseling.

For patients with AF, guideline targets support gradual progress: sustained weight loss, ideally ≥10% when BMI >27 kg/m², and 210 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous activity adapted to capacity. Less alcohol and smoking cessation also support care. Sleep apnea treatment has broader benefits; its effect on maintaining sinus rhythm remains uncertain.