Atrial Fibrillation
What Increases Your Risk
Risk factors for atrial fibrillation include:
- Age older than 60.
- Being white and male.
- Heart failure.
- Heart valve disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Coronary artery disease and heart attack.
- Obesity.
- Obstructive sleep apnea.
- A family history of atrial fibrillation.
- Surgery on the heart.
- A history of rheumatic fever.
- Infection, such as pneumonia or endocarditis.
- Lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Metabolic conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes.
- Use of alcohol. Long-term, heavy alcohol use seems to be linked to atrial fibrillation.
- Use of stimulants. These include medicines, such as theophylline, amphetamines, and decongestants that contain stimulants (such as pseudoephedrine); illegal drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamines, or crank; and excessive nicotine or caffeine.
- Use of some prescription medicines, such as albuterol or theophylline.
- Congenital heart disease and surgical repair of congenital heart disease.
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| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: December 18, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine John M. Miller, MD - Electrophysiology | |
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