Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rate) can be a serious heart condition that could lead to other dangerous health issues if not addressed. Quite often, however, many people go through life not realizing that they are at risk of developing AF or they fail to recognize the symptoms when they appear. This leaves them wide open for a heart attack or even a stroke in their future. It's important for everyone to understand the atrial fibrillation causes and risk factors in order to take proactive steps to protect their health and quality of life. While AF is not considered to be life-threatening in itself, it can lead to more serious health problems that could literally put your life in jeopardy.
Causes of Atrial Fibrillation:
No one is entirely sure what the causes of AF actually are. There are times when it is a result of a birth defect or damage to the heart tissue itself from a heart attack or a problem with the valve. While the exact cause may not be clear there are some common denominators that are found in many people that suffer from AF.
Clearly AF is closely linked with age. It seems that the older we get the higher is our level of risk. Historically, younger people only develop the condition when they already have underlying heart conditions that are impacting their health. Generally, as we age, the heart muscles weaken like any other muscle in the body leaving us more vulnerable to developing AF.
Other Major Risk Factors of Atrial fibrillation:
There are, however, a number of other risk factors that may put a patient in line for developing AF.
- Hypertension: Consistently high blood pressure can put your heart at risk for atrial fibrillation.
- A History of Coronary Artery Disease: Often called coronary heart disease, the arteries can build up plaque, which can slow down the flow of blood to the heart.
- Mitral Valve Disease: This is when the blood leaks through the mitral valve and passes from the left ventricle into the heart's left atrium.
- Cardiomyopathy: When the heart muscle is inflamed and is unable to work as it should.
- Pericarditis: When the heart's protective lining is inflamed.
- Chest Infections: Another contributor to atrial fibrillation causes and risk factors is a chest infection of some kind. These could include, pneumonia, lung cancer, emphysema, pulmonary embolisms, or even carbon monoxide poisoning.
Health Conditions to Watch For:
Any person who has had a previous heart surgery, is suffering from sleep apnea, a habitual smoker, or consumes excessive amounts of caffeine can put himself or herself at risk of developing atrial fibrillation even if they don't have any underlying heart diseases.
Learning the atrial fibrillation causes and risk factors can help you to protect yourself from serious health conditions that can potentially occur. AF is a serious heart condition that needs to be addressed before it escalates into something more serious. However, many people are walking around every day not knowing they have this medical condition. It's important that everyone learn what causes it and how they may be at risk so that they can do whatever is necessary to improve their conditions.