The number of people diagnosed with and undergoing hospital procedures for cardiac arrhythmias is increasingly rapidly. Over the past 10 years, there has been a growing recognition of the role that lifestyle based factors, such as physical activity and obesity, can play in contributing to the risk of being diagnosed with an arrhythmia. This study will be pivotal in providing information relating to how physical activity can alter the risk associated with other cardiovascular risk factors. Specifically, we will use data regarding cardiovascular risk factors and physical activity habits, to determine if physical activity can modify the risk of AF associated with lifestyle-based risk factors such as obesity, hypertension and type II diabetes, amongst others. Furthermore, we will assess whether physical activity can contribute to reducing hospitalisations and mortality amongst patients with previously diagnosed cardiac arrhythmias. This research will further strengthen the guidelines for promoting exercise and physical activity to reduce the incidence of arrhythmias.
