Exercise appears to lower atrial fibrillation and stroke risk
For years, doctors have debated whether exercise might help lower the risk for atrial fibrillation (afib), a common and potentially dangerous irregular heartbeat (see "What is atrial fibrillation?"). Some evidence has suggested a benefit, but the link has been unclear. "It’s come from self-reported information from study participants, which isn’t an exact science," says Dr. Steven Lubitz, an electrophysiologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
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About the Author
Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
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