Can I get atrial fibrillation if I don't have heart disease?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Having heart disease sends you to the front of the line, but it’s not an absolute prerequisite for developing atrial fibrillation. For starters, there’s an inherited form of the condition that’s caused by a gene mutation. It affects about 3 million Americans. Not to mention, there are several other health problems and lifestyle choices that can lead to atrial fibrillation, whether you have heart disease or not.
- High blood pressure
- Overactive thyroid
- Sleep apnea
- Lung disease
- Diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Stress
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Excessive caffeine intake.Having heart disease sends you to the front of the line, but it’s not an absolute prerequisite for developing atrial fibrillation. For starters, there’s an inherited form of the condition that’s caused by a gene mutation. It... More -
Dr. Douglas Severance answered:Atrial fibrillation, or an irregular and fast heartbeat, can happen in healthy individuals of any gender or age without known heart problems. However, atrial fibrillation more commonly occurs in older adults who have a history of hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, or congestive heart failure. Studies show that about 30 to 45% of cases of so-called paroxysmal atrial fibrillation -- the type that comes and goes -- and 20 to 25% of cases of persistent atrial fibrillation happen in young adults who do not show underlying heart disease. Although atrial fibrillation can occur in older adults without heart disease, other factors usually play a role, such as myocardial stiffness that accompanies the atrial fibrillation.Atrial fibrillation, or an irregular and fast heartbeat, can happen in healthy individuals of any gender or age without known heart problems. However, atrial fibrillation more commonly occurs in older adults who have a history of... More
