Common causes of atrial fibrillation include heart conditions such as high blood pressure, previous heart attack, heart valve disease, and heart failure. Lung diseases such as emphysema and sleep apnea can also cause atrial fibrillation. In addition, atrial fibrillation may occur following major surgery.

What is the most common cause of atrial fibrillation?

Problems with the heart’s structure are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Possible causes of atrial fibrillation include: Coronary artery disease. Heart attack.

What can trigger an atrial fibrillation episode?

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.
• taking illegal drugs, particularly amphetamines or cocaine.

Can you live a long life with atrial fibrillation?

The good news is that although AF is a long-term condition, if managed correctly, you can continue to lead a long and active life. There are a number of steps you can take that will help you manage your condition, lower your risk of stroke and relieve any worries you may have.

Is atrial fibrillation common in old age?

Yes. Your risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, increases as you become older. Atrial fibrillation is much more common in older adults. Atrial fibrillation can occur at any age, but when it develops in younger people, it’s usually associated with other heart conditions.

What foods should be avoided with atrial fibrillation?

7 Foods to Avoid When You Have Atrial Fibrillation

• Alcohol. Alcohol tops the list of items to avoid on an atrial fibrillation diet.
• Caffeine.
• Grapefruit.
• Cranberry Juice.
• Asparagus and Leafy Green Vegetables.
• Processed and Salty Foods.
• Gluten.

What is the life expectancy of a person with AFib?

Amongst the group of patients aged between 55-74 years, the 10 year mortality was 61.5% in men with AF compared to 30% in men without AF. Amongst women in a similar age group, the 10 year mortality was 57.6% in the AF group versus 20.9% in women without AF. Similar findings have been found from many other cohorts.

Can dehydration trigger AFib?

Dehydration. Lack of electrolytes in the blood associated with dehydration, especially potassium, can trigger A-fib symptoms. Dehydration occurs during exercise, hot weather, and illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea.

What side should you sleep on if you have AFib?

They recommend sleeping specifically on the left side. This is the best position for blood flow and breathing while sleeping.

What is the best exercise for atrial fibrillation?

Once you’ve warmed up, try exercises such as power walking, jogging, or hiking to get a good workout without overloading your heart. Riding an exercise bike or using an elliptical machine or treadmill are also safe workouts for people with AFib. Lifting light weights can also be a good workout.

Is AFib a death sentence?

The AHA notes that an episode of AFib rarely causes death. However, these episodes can contribute to you experiencing other complications, such as stroke and heart failure, that can lead to death. In short, it’s possible for AFib to affect your lifespan. It represents a dysfunction in the heart that must be addressed.

Does AFib damage the heart?

Answer: Atrial fibrillation can result in permanent heart damage, although that’s fairly uncommon. The situation in which atrial fibrillation can cause permanent heart damage is if a patient develop atrial fibrillation and the heart rate ends up being very very rapid for a long period of time.

Can atrial fibrillation be caused by anxiety?

Can Anxiety Cause Afib? While they are two separate issues, there are studies that suggest anxiety can trigger Afib episodes. This can be good news and bad news for those who suffer from anxiety.

What happens if you don’t treat atrial fibrillation?

Untreated AFib can lead to blood clots that could cause a stroke. Your odds of having a stroke are the same as someone who does have symptoms. AFib’s rapid heartbeat can weaken your heart muscle. This can lead to heart failure.

How is atrial fibrillation treated in the elderly?

Rate control therapy in atrial fibrillation. Rate control is the first-line therapy in elderly patients. Usually, this is sufficient to control the symptoms in symptomatic patients and it is also the treatment choice in asymptomatic patients.

What causes AFib to start?

The basic cause of AFib is disorganized signals that make your heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) squeeze very fast and out of sync. They contract so quickly that the heart walls quiver, or fibrillate. Damage to your heart’s electrical system can cause AFib.