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However, doctors may recommend medical interventions in some circumstances. Prescription medications may be enough to treat symptoms in many people. The treatment of A-fib aims to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Other chronic conditions: Other long-term medical problems - including thyroid problems, asthma, diabetes, and obesity - may contribute to the risk of A-fib.Sleep apnea: People with this condition, especially when it is severe, have a higher risk of developing A-fib.Family members with A-fib: People with a family history of A-fib may be more likely to experience the condition themselves.Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can increase a person’s risk of developing A-fib.Heart disease: People with underlying heart conditions have a higher risk of A-fib.Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lung may increase the risk of a person developing A-fib.Hypertension: Long-term high blood pressure can add strain to the heart and increase the risk of A-fib.
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Age: The older a person is, the higher their risk of A-fib becomes.In this article, learn about the symptoms, complications, and treatment options associated with A-fib.Ĭertain factors increase the risk of developing A-fib. However, recognizing and treating A-fib early in its development can significantly improve the chance of preventing complications. The resulting arrhythmia may or may not produce symptoms. As a result, the atria will beat unusually, thereby altering blood flow to the ventricles. However, in people with A-fib, irregular electrical impulses cause the left and right upper chambers to twitch erratically and rapidly. This results in a consistent, regular heartbeat and blood flow between the atria and the ventricles. The heartbeat usually starts as a steady pulse in the right atrium. A-fib is most prevalent in older adults, but it can occur at younger ages as well.Ī person’s heart comprises four chambers: two upper chambers (the atria) and two lower chambers (the ventricles). It affects up to 3% of the Western population over the age of 20 years, according to estimates. It can interrupt the normal flow of blood in the body and increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.Ī-fib is the most common clinical arrhythmia worldwide. Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is an irregular heart rhythm, also known as a type of arrhythmia.