Risk Factors
Factors That Increase Your Chances
About 30 percent of those with AF have no risk factors. Factors that increase your chances of developing atrial fibrillation include:
- Age
- Risk increases as you get older.
- AF occurs in about 15 percent of those over the age of 75, but it can be seen in young people as well.
- As the population continues to age, it is expected to become more common.
- Heart disease, including history of valve disease, coronary artery disease, heart attack or heart surgery
- High blood pressure, particularly if it is not well controlled
- Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly binge drinking
- Family history
- Sleep apnea
- Thyroid problems
- Pericardial inflammation
- Exposure to stimulants, including caffeine, tobacco, or cocaine
Factors of Stroke in AF
Most patients with AF are at risk of having a stroke. Risk factors for stroke in AF include:
- Age over 65
- High blood pressure
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Diabetes
- Congestive heart failure
- History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
