Obesity and the Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation

ContextObesity is associated with atrial enlargement and ventricular diastolic dysfunction, both known predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is unclear whether obesity is a risk factor for AF.ObjectiveTo examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of developing AF.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsProspective, community-based observational cohort in Framingham, Mass. We studied 5282 participants (mean age, 57 [SD, 13] years; 2898 women [55%]) without baseline AF (electrocardiographic AF or arterial flutter). Body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by square of height in meters) was evaluated as both a continuous and a categorical variable (normal defined as