Atrial fibrillation can happen to anyone.
Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, or a quivering of the upper chambers of the heart, according to the group StopAfib. The condition is due to a malfunction in the heart's electrical system and is the most common heart irregularity.
Although many health professionals consider it a minor condition, AFib can nonetheless lead to stroke or heart failure; nearly 35 percent of AFib patients have strokes, says StopAfib. As you age, your risk increases, with men being more likely to develop it than women.
September is Atrial Fibrillation month, so here's a list of some of the most common risk factors:
* Existing heart disease.
* Clogged arteries or angina.
* Diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems may increase the risk.
* Lung problems, including asthma, emphysema, pulmonary blood clots, or chronic lung disease.
* Obstructive sleep apnea; about half of AFib patients have sleep apnea.
* Otherwise healthy people can have AFib when they are stressed or fatigued, have had too much caffeine or alcohol, have smoked, or have exercised too much.
* Too much or too little of minerals like calcium, magnesium, or potassium.