Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, is a shaking or irregular heartbeat that can lead to heart failure, blood clots and even stroke. It is the most common serious heart rhythm abnormality.
People with one or more of the following are generally at higher risk of developing AFib:
Advanced age: The number of adults with AFib increases significantly with age. Atrial fibrillation in children is rare, but it can and does happen.
High blood pressure: Long-term uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase your risk of developing AFib.
Underlying Heart Disease: Anyone with heart disease, including valve problems, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, acute coronary syndrome, Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, and a history of heart attack. Additionally, atrial fibrillation is the most common complication after cardiac surgery.
Drinking alcohol: Heavy drinking (five drinks in two hours for men and four drinks in two hours for women) may put you at a higher risk of developing AFib.
Family history: Having a family member with AFib increases your chances of being diagnosed.
Sleep apnea: Although sleep apnea has not been proven to cause AFib, research has shown a strong link between obstructive sleep apnea and AFib. Often, treating apnea improves AFib.
Athletes: AFib is common in athletes and can be triggered by a fast heart rate called supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Other chronic diseases: Others at risk are those with thyroid problems (especially hyperthyroidism), diabetes, asthma, and other chronic diseases.
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