Afib, Heart Failure, and Exercise

Is exercise safe in HF patients who have AF? Results of the HF-ACTION study are summarized in this short slide show.

The HF-ACTION (Heart Failure: A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training) study evaluated the safety and efficacy of exercise training in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation. Clinical characteristics and outcomes (mortality/hospitalizations) were assessed by baseline AF status: past history of AF or AF on baseline electrocardiogram vs no AF).Click through this short slide show for a topline review of study methods, results, and interpretation. Additional study notes below.Additional Notes: -- n=308 (13%) of patient excluded due to “other” rhythm -- Overall, mean age was ~59y, 30% female, 60% white, 34% black. -- All patients >90% use of beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers at baseline. -- Adjustment for dosage of beta-blocker, KCCQ symptom stability, LVEF, country, sex, ventricular conduction, Weber class, blood urea nitrogen, and mitral regurgitation.Link to study abstract: Luo N, Merrill P, Parikh KS, et al. Exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017 Apr 4;69:1683-1691. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.01.032.