Everything You Need To Know About Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation Risk Factors

An individual may be at an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation if certain factors apply to them. Risk factors for atrial fibrillation are a blend of lifestyle choices, individual characteristics, and certain medical conditions. Patients affected by diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prior heart attacks, congestive heart failure, structural heart disease, thyroid disease, chronic lung disease, sleep apnea, and chronic kidney disease are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation than unaffected individuals. Individuals who are overweight, obese, smoke regularly, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, are physically inactive, consume excessive amounts of caffeine, use illegal stimulants, and consume a high-fat diet are also at a higher risk than others of developing atrial fibrillation. Certain genetics that cause individuals to have higher levels of lipids in their blood, high blood pressure, abnormal vascular makeup, a higher risk of autoimmune disease, and many others can cause an individual to be at an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

Complications Of Atrial Fibrillation

If individuals experience symptoms of atrial fibrillation, it is important to be checked by a doctor so the condition can be ruled out or diagnosed. If atrial fibrillation is left untreated, numerous possible complications may occur, including stroke, cardiomyopathy, and Alzheimer's disease. Atrial fibrillation left untreated increases the risk of blood clots forming in the heart, which can then travel to the brain where it blocks blood flow, resulting in a stroke. Patients with atrial fibrillation are at least four to five times more likely to have a stroke than individuals without the condition. Cardiomyopathy is a group of diseases that affect the heart and occur as a result of the weakening of heart muscles when atrial fibrillation is left untreated. Cardiomyopathy often leads to heart failure. Experts suggest atrial fibrillation also increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown cognitive decline at a younger age is more prevalent among atrial fibrillation patients.