PATIENTS & FAMILY

Who's at risk for AFib?

Risk factors for AFib
What you can do

Risk factors for AFib

Diseases and disorders that may lead to AFib

In many cases, the cause of AFib is unknown. However, there are a number of conditions that can lead to AFib (Fuster V., et al 2006).

Thyroid disease
Chronic lung conditions: People with emphysema, asthma, pulmonary blood clots
Coronary artery disease(CAD)
Exposure to heart stimulants: Some medications that you can buy over-the-counter (OTC) in a pharmacy can cause AFib
Family history: AFib tends to run in families. A person who has a parent with AFib has an increased risk of developing it
Having heart surgery: AFib occurs in about 50 % of patients undergoing cardiac operations.
Heart Failure. An estimated 25 percent of heart failure patients also have AFib.
High blood pressure
Pericarditis.A condition in which the tissue that surrounds the heart (pericardium) becomes inflamed, can irritate the atria and lead to AFib
Pulmonary disease. A condition in which a blood clot develops in the legs and travels to the lungs.
Structural heart defects. Abnormalities in the heart’s structure are the most common cause of AFib.
Viral infection: In rare instances, viral infections can weaken the heart and lead to AFib

Patients who do not have any other disease or disorder associated with their AFib, have what is known as 'lone Afib'

Triggers of Afib

Many patients try to find reasons why their AFib has started and look for things that they do that triggers it. There is often no trigger for the AFib and no-one knows why it happens. However, there are some things that are strongly associated with developing AFib, these include (Fuster V., et al 2006; Eaker ED, et al. 2005):

Excessive alcohol, particularly binge drinking
Excessive caffeine
Exercise
Stress/anxiety