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 today in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The study, which analyzed data from more than 87,000 Norwegian adults over 15 years, found that moderate to high activity levels were linked to a 9% to 19% lower risk of stroke and an 11% to 22% lower risk of death from any cause, compared to inactivity.
“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, a quivering or irregular heartbeat, affects millions and increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, plus muscle-strengthening activities twice a week. This study reinforces that guidance, showing that even low levels of activity—below those recommendations—confer benefits.
The research, part of the HUNT and Tromsø studies, categorized participants by self-reported frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise. Compared to inactive adults, those with low, moderate, or high activity had a 9%, 19%, and 18% lower risk of stroke, respectively. For death from any cause, the reductions were 11%, 18%, and 22%. Notably, these benefits were consistent regardless of AFib status, suggesting that the protective effect of exercise is not diminished by the condition.
For people with AFib specifically, staying active was associated with living 0.5 to 1.2 years longer than those who were inactive. The study used a multiple-records approach, reclassifying participants who developed AFib during follow-up to ensure accurate risk estimates.
“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 AFib management from the American Heart Association, noted the study “adds important evidence linking physical activity with lower risks of stroke and death in people with and without AFib. 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 reliance on self-reported activity and potential residual confounding from lifestyle factors. However, the authors believe similar results would be seen in U.S. populations. The findings underscore the importance of physical activity as a preventive strategy for all, especially those at higher cardiovascular risk.
According to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, AFib prevalence in the U.S. is estimated at 10.55 million, affecting 4.48% of adults. The association’s physical activity guidelines emphasize reducing sedentary time and meeting weekly exercise targets.
