Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month is upon us again, so for the month of September, we are providing information on you need to better understand this very serious heart condition. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is the most common arrhythmia and may result in damage to the electrical system of your heart. For more information on early indications of AFib, read our blog about Signs and Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation.
The following are factors that can significantly increase your risk of Atrial Fibrillation:
- Increased Age. Your risk of AFib increases with age, but especially so after the age of 60. AFib can also become present due to other heart conditions that are more common with age, like Coronary Heart Disease.
- High Blood Pressure. For more information on how to keep your blood pressure low, check out our blog on Tips to Combat High Blood Pressure and AFib.
- Other Chronic Conditions. If you have thyroid problem, sleep apnea, Rheumatic Heart Disease, or Pericarditis, your risk of developing AFib are increased.
- Drinking Alcohol. Atrial Fibrillation can be triggered in some people by consumption of alcohol, especially binge drinking.
- Family History. Having a parent with Afib strongly increases the risk of children developing this condition.
- Psychological Stress, Fatigue, and Illness. Extended periods of stress on your body can trigger AFib and weaken your heart.
These are not the only Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation, but comprise the most common ones. This serious heart condition affects over 2.7 million Americans, and can not only be caused by another underlying condition, but can also lead to even more serious heart conditions.
Cardiac Specialist Dr. Dilip Mathew has been treating those with AF since 2001, and is the premier Electrophysiologist (EP) in Sarasota and Venice. If your primary care doctor / cardiologist recommends seeing a specialist in the Sarasota area or you are concerned about your risk for Atrial Fibrillation, contact us today!