What are the risk factors for atrial fibrillation?

What are the risk factors for atrial fibrillation?

The older we get, the greater our risk for atrial fibrillation. When we hit 65, our risk especially increases. Besides increasing age, high blood pressure is a huge risk factor. High blood pressure causes 1 in 5 cases of Afib. You also have a higher risk of developing Afib if you have any of the following conditions:

• Obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Heart failure.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Congenital heart disease.
• Lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Sleep apnea.
• Hyperthyroidism.

In addition, certain lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption and recreational drug use can raise your risk.

While exercise strengthens your heart, some athletes who exercise intensely for long periods of time could have a higher risk of Afib. In such cases, reducing the exercise intensity usually helps.

An estimated 1 in 3 people with Afib don’t know they have it. That’s why it’s important to know the risk factors and talk with your healthcare provider. If you’re at risk, you should have your heart and pulse checked regularly so you can catch problems early.