Who is most at risk for atrial fibrillation?

Which group of people has the highest risk of developing atrial fibrillation?

Anyone with heart disease — such as heart valve problems, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, or a history of heart attack or heart surgery — has an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

What triggers atrial fibrillation?

Certain situations can trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation, including: drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, particularly binge drinking. being overweight (read about how to lose weight) drinking lots of caffeine, such as tea, coffee or energy drinks.

What increases risk of atrial fibrillation?

What raises the risk of atrial fibrillation? Age, family history and genetics, lifestyle, heart disease or other medical conditions, race, and surgical history can all raise your risk of developing the structural and electrical issues that lead to atrial fibrillation.

How do you avoid getting AFib?

The basics include not smoking, following a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet (high in plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats), being physically active and keeping to a normal weight (as indicated on a body-mass index chart).

What are the risk factors for atrial fibrillation?

At what age does AFib usually start?

A-fib can affect any adult at any age. While most patients develop it in their 60s, 70s, or 80s, I also see some young adults in their 20s or 30s with this condition.

What are the warning signs of AFib?

Can atrial fibrillation go away?

Can Afib go away? If you have paroxysmal Afib, your symptoms may go away on their own without treatment. However, paroxysmal Afib can progress to persistent Afib depending on your risk factors. And both persistent Afib and long-standing persistent Afib require treatment to avoid serious complications.

What is the most common cause of death in atrial fibrillation?

SCD is the most common cause of cardiovascular death in patients with atrial fibrillation and has several distinct predictors, some of which are modifiable. These findings may be considered in planning research and treatment strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation.

What is the first drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?

Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are the drugs of choice because they provide rapid rate control. These drugs are effective in reducing the heart rate at rest and during exercise in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Does AF damage the heart?

Treatment and improving lifestyle is important because untreated AF can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related problems.

What is a normal heart rate for someone with AFib?

About atrial fibrillation

A normal heart rate, when you are resting, should be between 60 and 100 beats a minute. In atrial fibrillation, it may be over 140 beats a minute.

How can I get my heart back in rhythm naturally?

Can a person feel if they have AFib?

The most obvious symptom of atrial fibrillation is heart palpitations – where the heart feels like it's pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for a few seconds or possibly a few minutes.

Does AFib show up on EKG?

An ECG can show if the heart is beating too fast, too slow or not at all. An ECG is the main test for diagnosing atrial fibrillation.

What medications should be avoided with atrial fibrillation?

Can you live with AFib without medication?

Untreated AFib can raise your risk for problems like a heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, which could shorten your life expectancy. But treatments and lifestyle changes can help prevent these problems and manage your risks.

What is the best sleeping position for atrial fibrillation?

There is no clear sleep position that is beneficial for atrial fibrillation. However, most AFib patients notice less symptoms while sleeping on their side. Some patients prefer the left side, while others prefer the right side.

What is the best way to cure atrial fibrillation?

Cardioversion. Cardioversion may be recommended for some people with atrial fibrillation. It involves giving the heart a controlled electric shock to try to restore a normal rhythm. Cardioversion is usually carried out in hospital so the heart can be carefully monitored.

Can you have AFib for years and not know it?

You may think you're out of shape or just don't feel like yourself. But you could have AFib and not even know it. Some people have no symptoms at all. You might hear it called silent AFib.

When should you go to the ER for atrial fibrillation?

When to Call the Doctor or 911. If an AFib episode lasts 24 to 48 hours with no break or if symptoms worsen, call your physician, Armbruster says. Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience any symptoms of a stroke, which are sudden weakness or numbness or difficulty speaking or seeing.

What is normal blood pressure for AFib patient?

That implies that a BP of 120–129/80 mmHg might be the optimum BP for patients with AF undergoing hypertension treatment.

What medications can cause atrial fibrillation?

New-onset AF has been associated with cardiovascular drugs such as adenosine, dobutamine, and milrinone. In addition, medications such as corticosteroids, ondansetron, and antineoplastic agents such as paclitaxel, mitoxantrone, and anthracyclines have been reported to induce AF.

What is the number one complication of atrial fibrillation?

Heart failure

If your atrial fibrillation is persistent, it may start to weaken your heart. In extreme cases, it can lead to heart failure, as your heart is unable to pump blood around your body efficiently.