What increases my risk for atrial fibrillation?

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Atrial fibrillation has a number of risk factors, including
- advanced age
- family history of atrial fibrillation
- high blood pressure
- heart problems (defects, disease, surgery, heart attack, etc.)
- alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco consumption
- obesity
- diabetes
- lung disease
- recurrent health problems, such as sleep apnea or thyroid problems.
Some of these risks, like high blood pressure, use of alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco, and obesity, may be decreased through treatment or lifestyle changes. Talk to your doctor about reducing your risk for atrial fibrillation.

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Atrial fibrillation has a number of risk factors, including advanced age family history of atrial fibrillation high blood pressure heart problems (defects, disease, surgery, heart attack, etc.) alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco consumption obesity... More
Columbia University Department of Surgery answered:
Certain risk factors make it more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, but often the cause remains unclear. Leading risk factors include:
- coronary heart disease
- heart attack
- heart failure
- medication and chemical changes
- heart valve disease
- endocarditis (inflamed heart muscle or lining)
- recent heart surgery
- atherosclerosis (arteries lined with fatty deposits)
- angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle)
- a birth defect in the heart
- severe lung disease
- blood clots in the lung
- emphysema
- asthma
Gender and age also affect both the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation and the severity of the condition. Men are slightly more likely than women to have atrial fibrillation, but women who are diagnosed with the disease have a greater risk over time for premature death. Older people are more likely to have atrial fibrillation than younger people. Additional risk factors include thyroid disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol intake, and cigarette or drug use, including caffeine.
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More Related Answers from Columbia University Department of Surgery
Certain risk factors make it more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, but often the cause remains unclear. Leading risk factors include: coronary heart disease heart attack heart failure medication and chemical changes heart valve disease... More
Intermountain Healthcare answered:
Many conditions can increase the risk for atrial fibrillation (Afib):
- High blood pressure
- Age: Afib is more common in people over 60 years old
- Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes you to stop breathing temporarily while you sleep
- Obesity
- Heart failure
- Thyroid disease
- Heart valve disease
- Lung disease
- A heart attack caused by coronary artery disease
- Family history: Research has shown some genes are linked to Afib
In some cases of Afib, the cause can't be identified.
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More Related Answers from Intermountain Healthcare
Many conditions can increase the risk for atrial fibrillation (Afib): High blood pressure Age: Afib is more common in people over 60 years old Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes you to stop breathing temporarily while you sleep... More