Risk factors are things that increase the chance you'll get a disease or condition. Like other heart conditions, getting older is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AFib). That's because as you get older, changes in the body including your heart can make you more likely to develop AFib.
There are other risk factors for AFib. If you have the following, you may be at increased risk of AFib:
- getting older
- high blood pressure - the most common known cause
- heart structure abnormalities
- heart valve disease or damage
- heart infection or inflammation
- congenital heart disease
- coronary artery disease
- chronic kidney disease
- diabetes
- heart failure
- heart attack or surgery
- hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- blood clot in the lung
- obesity
- sleep apnea (a condition where you may stop breathing for several seconds while you sleep)
- heavy alcohol use
You have control over a number of these risk factors - and by controlling your risk factors, you can help reduce your risk of AFib.
Here's what you can do:
- Take control of what you eat. Eat a heart-healthy diet. This means choosing foods that are low in saturated and trans fats and high in fibre and lean protein, and eating fruits and vegetables. Use Canada's Food Guide to help you choose healthy foods. Try some of these healthy food ideas:
- Make a smoothie with fresh or frozen berries for breakfast.
- Try a mixed salad for lunch. Toss together salad greens, fresh vegetables such as cucumber or beets, and goat cheese. Top it off with a bit of balsamic vinegar dressing.
- Eat a whole grain pita with almond butter for a snack.
- Get active. Studies show that those who participate in moderate regular aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and gardening have a lower risk of AFib. Get active today:
- Walking is great exercise. Join a mall-walking group or just get out and walk the dog (or your neighbour's dog if you don't have one!).
- Make a family day of fun - go skiing, skating, or tobogganing.
- Try a stair workout: spend just 5 minutes walking up and down the stairs to get your heart pumping.
Check with your doctor before starting any physical activity.
Visit "About atrial fibrillation" to learn more about AFib.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Are-You-at-Risk-for-Atrial-Fibrillation
