Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder characterized by irregular, rapid beating of the heart’s upper chambers, or atria. It is estimated that about 6 million Americans are affected by AF. While it can occur at any age, AF is more common in older adults. The question of whether AF gets worse with age is a common one, and the answer is not straightforward.
Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation
Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing AF, including age, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The risk of AF increases with age, and it is estimated that more than 10% of people over the age of 80 have AF.
How Does Age Affect AF?
As people age, their bodies change and their risk of AF increases. This is because the heart muscle weakens with age, making it more difficult to maintain a regular rhythm. In addition, the older heart is more likely to have underlying conditions that can trigger AF, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Can AF Get Worse With Age?
For some people, AF can get worse with age. As the heart weakens, the irregular heartbeats of AF may become more frequent and intense. In addition, the presence of underlying conditions can make AF more difficult to manage.
However, it is important to note that AF does not necessarily get worse with age. In fact, many people with AF are able to keep their condition under control and live a normal life. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, AF can be managed and the risk of complications reduced.
Conclusion
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder that is more common in older adults. The risk of developing AF increases with age, and for some people, AF can get worse with age. However, with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with AF are able to keep their condition under control and live a normal life.