Risk Factors for People with Atrial Fibrillation
People with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) are at risk for stroke, heart failure, and other serious cardiovascular problems. In order to reduce these risks, it is important to understand the risk factors associated with AFib and work to lower them.
Stroke Risk
The most serious risk associated with AFib is stroke, which occurs when a clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. People with AFib are five times more likely to have a stroke than those without AFib. Risk factors for stroke include age, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Heart Failure Risk
AFib increases the risk of heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. People with AFib are at greater risk for heart failure because the irregular heart rhythm weakens the heart muscle. Risk factors for heart failure include age, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Other Cardiovascular Problems
People with AFib are also at risk for other cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and arrhythmia. Risk factors for these conditions include age, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes.
Reducing Risk Factors for People with Atrial Fibrillation
The best way to reduce the risks associated with AFib is to lower the risk factors. This can be done by making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, it is important to manage any chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, to reduce the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular problems.