Is atrial fibrillation rare?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia affecting 1–2% of the general population.

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How common is atrial fibrillation?

AFib is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm (also called arrhythmia). It affects an estimated 2.7 to 6.1 million people in the U.S. at any given time, and causes about 450,000 hospitalizations each year. AFib can affect people of any age, including children, though it mostly occurs in people over 60.

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How common is atrial fibrillation in Australia?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder: Around half a million Australians are living with AF. One in three individuals are at risk of developing AF in their lifetime. AF affects 2% of the general population and one in 20 of those aged over 55.

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Is atrial fibrillation a common disease?

AFib is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, affecting more than 5 million adults in the United States.

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Is atrial fibrillation a big deal?

Although A-fib itself usually isn't life-threatening, it's a serious medical condition that requires proper treatment to prevent stroke. Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medications, therapy to reset the heart rhythm and catheter procedures to block faulty heart signals.

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What is atrial fibrillation and how common is it?

19 related questions found

Can a healthy person have atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is generally not life threatening, many people live normal healthy lives with this condition, but it can be uncomfortable and often needs treatment. This condition increases your risk by about four to five times of having a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke.

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Is it OK to live with atrial fibrillation?

With proper treatment, individuals with atrial fibrillation can live normal and active lives. Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as AF or a-Fib, is the most commonly occurring arrhythmia, or heart rhythm problem. AF is characterized by an abnormal or irregular heart rhythm that causes a rapid heart rate.

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What is the main cause of atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is most often caused by changes to the heart's tissue or the electrical signaling that helps the heartbeat.

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At what age do most people get atrial fibrillation?

A-fib can affect any adult at any age. While most patients develop it in their 60s, 70s, or 80s, I also see some young adults in their 20s or 30s with this condition.

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How common is atrial fibrillation by age?

There are an estimated 2.2 million people in the United States with AF, with a median age of about 75 years. The prevalence of AF is 2.3% in people older than 40 years and 5.9% in those older than 65 years. Approximately 70% of individuals with AF are between 65 and 85 years of age.

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What should you not do if you have atrial fibrillation?

Avoid saturated fat, trans fat, and salt to help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This will also protect your blood vessels. Limit caffeine. Watch how much soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate you have.

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Can atrial fibrillation be caused by anxiety?

Feeling angry or stressed about work may make AFib. Having anxiety increases the risk of AFib.

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Does AF get worse with age?

Yes. Your risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, increases as you become older. Atrial fibrillation is much more common in older adults. Atrial fibrillation can occur at any age, but when it develops in younger people, it's usually associated with other heart conditions.

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Is atrial fibrillation is Hereditary?

The incidence of the familial form of atrial fibrillation is unknown; however, recent studies suggest that up to 30 percent of all people who have atrial fibrillation without an identified cause have a history of the condition in their family.

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How can I calm my atrial fibrillation naturally?

At a minimum, these strategies may help you relax and cope with the episode until it stops.
  1. Engage in deep, mindful breathing. ...
  2. Get some exercise. ...
  3. Valsalva maneuver. ...
  4. Practice yoga. ...
  5. Put some cold water on your face. ...
  6. Contact a health professional.

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What are the warning signs of atrial fibrillation?

The most common symptom: a quivering or fluttering heartbeat
  • General fatigue.
  • A rapid and irregular heartbeat.
  • Fluttering or “thumping” in the chest.
  • Dizziness.
  • Shortness of breath and anxiety.
  • Weakness.
  • Faintness or confusion.
  • Fatigue when exercising.

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What is the biggest risk of atrial fibrillation?

Stroke. One of the biggest risks of atrial fibrillation is stroke. The irregular rhythm associated with atrial fibrillation can let blood stay behind and pool in areas of the heart. That increases the possibility of a clot that can stop blood flow partially or completely, which can then cause a stroke.

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Does atrial fibrillation weaken the heart?

If your atrial fibrillation is persistent, it may start to weaken your heart. In extreme cases, it can lead to heart failure, as your heart is unable to pump blood around your body efficiently.

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How can I prevent atrial fibrillation from getting worse?

The basics include not smoking, following a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet (high in plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats), being physically active and keeping to a normal weight (as indicated on a body-mass index chart).

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Can atrial fibrillation be cured permanently?

No, atrial fibrillation (AFib) cannot be cured. Unless there is a clearly identified and reversible cause that is treated, there is always the risk of redeveloping atrial fibrillation.

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Is atrial fibrillation considered a heart condition?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm condition that can cause stroke and heart failure. Read about AF symptoms, causes, risk factors and common triggers. You can also learn about treatment and find ways to manage your condition.

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Is atrial fibrillation becoming more common?

More than 454,000 hospitalizations with AFib as the primary diagnosis happen each year in the United States. The condition contributes to about 158,000 deaths each year. The death rate from AFib as the primary or a contributing cause of death has been rising for more than two decades.

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Is AF linked to dementia?

Overall, people with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation had a 13% higher risk of developing dementia. That risk appeared to be amplified in people whose AF diagnosis came before 65 years of age (65% higher risk) and people who did not have chronic kidney disease (20% higher risk).

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What is the lifetime risk of AF in adults?

The range of lifetime risk for atrial fibrillation was between 20% and 50%, with greater polygenic and clinical risks associated with higher rates.

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What famous people have AFib?

10 Celebrities With Irregular Heart Rhythms
  • Living in the Spotlight With Atrial Fibrillation. ...
  • Actor Sir Roger Moore Gets a Pacemaker. ...
  • Actor and Comedian Howie Mandel. ...
  • Singer Miley Cyrus and Tachycardia. ...
  • Musician Gene Simmons's Cardioversion for Afib. ...
  • Singer Barry Manilow and Atrial Fibrillation.

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