Study Finds Even Light Physical Activity May Lower Stroke, Death Risk for AFib Patients

Adults with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who engage in even light physical activity may significantly lower their risk of stroke and premature death, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The study, which analyzed data from more than 87,000 adults in Norway, found that physical activity was linked to a 9% to 19% lower risk of stroke and an 11% to 22% lower risk of death from any cause, with benefits observed even at low activity levels.

“In general, people with AFib appear to be less active than the general population,” said lead study author Kristoffer Johansen, Ph.D., a researcher at the School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø. “The results from our study indicate that physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of stroke and death in individuals with and without atrial fibrillation. So, regular physical activity is important for all and could be an important preventive strategy for people with AFib.”

AFib is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, and other heart-related complications. According to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, the prevalence of AFib in the U.S. is estimated at 10.55 million, affecting 4.48% of the adult population. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.

The study tracked participants for about 15 years, using data from the HUNT Study and the Tromsø Study. Researchers divided participants into four groups based on self-reported physical activity levels: inactive, low, moderate, and high. Compared to inactive adults, those with low, moderate, or high activity levels had a 9%, 19%, and 18% lower risk of stroke, respectively. Similarly, the risk of death from any cause was reduced by 11%, 18%, and 22% for these groups. Importantly, these benefits were similar for people with and without AFib, suggesting that having AFib does not diminish the protective effects of exercise.

For individuals with AFib, staying active was associated with living an average of 0.5 to 1.2 years longer compared to those who were inactive. This finding is particularly significant given that previous research has shown inconclusive results regarding the link between physical activity and stroke in AFib patients. “I hope our results will increase awareness among clinicians and people with AFib about the benefits of even low levels of physical activity,” Johansen said. “Real health benefits can happen no matter when a person starts getting active, and even a little exercise is better than nothing.”

Mina Chung, M.D., FAHA, co-chair of a 2023 joint guideline for Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation from the American Heart Association, commented on the study’s importance. “It adds important evidence linking physical activity with lower risks of stroke and death in people with and without AFib,” she said. “It’s important to remember that physical activity may also reflect overall health. Still, the results motivate patients to be as active as they can - even lower levels of activity were associated with benefit, while moderate to high levels were linked to greater benefit.”

The study’s limitations include its observational nature and reliance on self-reported activity levels, which may be overestimated. However, the researchers believe similar results would be expected in a U.S. population. For Texans, where heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death, these findings underscore the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines, regardless of AFib status. As the American Heart Association emphasizes, every bit of movement counts toward a healthier heart and longer life.