Gardening, especially long-term experience, was significantly associated with a lower CHARGE-AF score indicating reduced atrial fibrillation risk in cardiovascular outpatients.
Does gardening reduce the estimated risk of atrial fibrillation in outpatients at risk of heart failure?
Gardening, particularly when sustained over many years, is associated with a lower estimated risk of atrial fibrillation in outpatients at risk for heart failure.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
Abstract Backgroung/Introduction Exercise therapy targets modifiable risk factors and reportedly prevents atrial fibrillation (AF). The onset of AF is also considered to be influenced by psychological status and the autonomic nervous system. Gardening involves regular exercise and provides mental benefits. Addressing modifiable clinical risk factors and ensuring mental stability are important for AF prevention. We hypothesized that gardening activity, with its physical and psychological benefits, could contribute to a lower incidence of AF. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the association between gardening activity and the risk of AF onset. Methods Between August 2022 and March 2023, we surveyed 783 patients at risk of heart failure (HF) without a history of AF or HF-related hospitalization at a cardiology outpatient clinic (median patient age 73 years; 63% male). Gardening was defined as cultivating flowers, vegetables, or fruits for over a year. The presence, frequency, duration, years of experience, and scale were assessed. AF risk was estimated using the CHARGE-AF score and categorized into tertiles. The association between gardening and CHARGE-AF score was analyzed using ordinal logistic regression, adjusted for confounders. Results Approximately 69% of the patients were engaged in gardening. Furthermore, 31%, 29%, and 40% of the patients had low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk CHARGE-AF scores, respectively. Gardening was inversely associated with CHARGE-AF score (table). Gardening extent demonstrated a trend towards lower AF risk, with significant associations only for years of experience (Figure). Conclusion Gardening activities, particularly those sustained over a long period, may be associated with a lower risk of AF in patients at risk of HF.
Tasaka et al. (Sat,) reported a other. Gardening, especially long-term experience, was significantly associated with a lower CHARGE-AF score indicating reduced atrial fibrillation risk in cardiovascular outpatients.