A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that even light physical activity may significantly reduce the risk of stroke and death in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder. The research, which analyzed data from more than 87,000 adults in Norway over approximately 15 years, found that moderate to high levels of activity were associated with a 9% to 19% lower risk of stroke and an 11% to 22% lower risk of death from any cause.
The study, led by Kristoffer Johansen, Ph.D., a researcher at the School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, indicates that the benefits of physical activity are similar for individuals with and without AFib. “In general, people with AFib appear to be less active than the general population,” said Johansen. “Our results 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, characterized by a quivering or irregular heartbeat, affects an estimated 10.55 million adults in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics. The condition can lead to blood clots, stroke, and other heart-related complications. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults engage in 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.
In the study, participants were categorized into four groups based on their 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 low, moderate, and high activity levels. Notably, for people with AFib, staying active was associated with living an average of 0.5 to 1.2 years longer compared to those who were inactive.
The study’s findings align with previous research suggesting that physical activity is beneficial for AFib patients, but earlier studies had been inconclusive regarding the specific link to stroke. Johansen expressed hope that these results will encourage clinicians and patients to recognize the value of even modest exercise. “Real health benefits can happen no matter when a person starts getting active, and even a little exercise is better than nothing,” he said.
Mina Chung, M.D., FAHA, co-chair of a 2023 joint guideline for Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation from the American Heart Association and other organizations, commented on the study’s significance. “This study adds important evidence linking physical activity with lower risks of stroke and death in people with and without AFib,” said Chung, who is also a professor of medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic. “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 utilized data from the HUNT Study and the Tromsø Study, with participants averaging about 51 years old at enrollment. More than 6,500 participants had AFib. The researchers used a multiple-records approach, reclassifying individuals who developed AFib during follow-up to ensure accurate results. However, the study has limitations, including reliance on self-reported activity levels and the possibility that other unmeasured factors, such as overall lifestyle, could influence the outcomes. Despite these limitations, the authors believe similar results would be expected in the U.S. population.
For business and technology leaders, this research underscores the potential economic impact of preventive health measures. Encouraging physical activity among employees, particularly those with AFib, could reduce healthcare costs and improve productivity. The findings also highlight the importance of integrating health monitoring and wellness programs into corporate strategies, a trend increasingly supported by technology-driven solutions.
For more information on physical activity recommendations, visit the American Heart Association’s [Getting Physically Active](https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness) page. The full study is available in the [Journal of the American Heart Association](https://www.ahajournals.org/journal/jaha).
