Being physically active was linked to a lower risk of stroke and death for adults with atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The study, which analyzed data from more than 87,000 adults in Norway, found that even low levels of activity were associated with a 9% lower risk of stroke, while moderate and high levels were linked to 19% and 18% lower risks, respectively. Similarly, the risk of death from any cause was reduced by 11%, 18%, and 22% for low, moderate, and high activity levels.
The benefits were consistent regardless of whether participants had AFib or not, suggesting that the protective effect of physical activity is not diminished by this common heart rhythm disorder. For people with AFib, staying active was tied to living an average of 0.5 to 1.2 years longer compared to inactive individuals.
“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 conditions. According to the American Heart Association, the prevalence of AFib in the U.S. was estimated at 10.55 million, equivalent to 4.48% of the adult population, as reported in the 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics.
The American Heart Association recommends that all adults spend less time sitting and get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. This study reinforces that guidance, showing that even lower levels of activity can yield health benefits.
The research tracked participants from two large Norwegian health studies—the HUNT Study and the Tromsø Study—over about 15 years. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their self-reported physical activity frequency, duration, and intensity. The study used a multiple-records approach, reclassifying individuals who developed AFib during follow-up to ensure accurate results.
While the study’s observational nature means other factors could influence the relationship, the authors adjusted for several variables. “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, commented, “This 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 findings underscore the potential for physical activity as a preventive strategy for stroke and premature death in the growing population of people with AFib. As the prevalence of AFib continues to rise, these results highlight a modifiable lifestyle factor that could significantly improve outcomes.
