Does atrial fibrillation run in families - Mayo Clinic
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Answer From Peter Noseworthy, M.D. It can. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart rhythm disorder. It causes irregular and chaotic heartbeats that can lead to stroke. AFib that is passed down through families (inherited) is called familial atrial fibrillation. It's not known how many people have familial atrial fibrillation (familial AFib). But researchers have identified genetic changes linked to the condition. Usually, common risk factors lead to atrial fibrillation. For example, the risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age. Other things that increase the chances of developing AFib are: Diabetes Heart valve disease Heavy alcohol use High blood pressure Male gender Obesity But about 3 in 10 people with AFib have no identifiable risk factors. Researchers think gene changes may play a role in these cases. If you have familial atrial fibrillation, you may get it earlier in life than do those without a family history of the condition. Understanding the genetics of atrial fibrillation is important. It could lead to screening tests to better identify and treat those at risk of AFib as they grow older. But more research is needed. If someone in your family has atrial fibrillation and you're concerned about your risk, talk with a health care provider. AFib is a serious medical condition that requires proper treatment to prevent stroke. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications. A simple test called an electrocardiogram (ECG) can be done to check the heart rhythm. Sometimes, a heart monitor is worn for a few days at home. You might not be able to prevent familial atrial fibrillation. But lifestyle changes can help keep your heart as healthy as possible. Try these strategies: Eat a healthy diet. Get regular exercise. Don't smoke. Manage weight. Limit alcohol. Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. With Peter Noseworthy, M.D. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
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Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Should I make changes to my diet if I've been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation?Does older age increase the risk of atrial fibrillation? ShareTweet Oct. 11, 2022 Show references Ferri FF. Atrial fibrillation. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 1, 2022. Ragab AAY, et al. The genetic puzzle of familial atrial fibrillation. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. 2020; doi:10.3389/fcvm.2020.00014. January CT, et al. 2019 AHA/ACC/HRS focused update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society in Collaboration With the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Circulation. 2019; doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000665. Weng L-C, et al. Genetic interactions with age, sex, body mass index, and hypertension in relation to atrial fibrillation: The AFGen Consortium. Scientific Reports. 2017; doi:10.1038/s41598-017-09396-7. Davidson KW, et al. Screening for atrial fibrillation: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2022; doi:10.1001/jama.2021.23732. Lubitz SA, et al. Genetic risk prediction of atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2017; doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.024143. Heidarali M, et al. Clinical profile and outcome of familial versus non-familial atrial fibrillation. International Journal of Cardiology. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.03.080. 8 things you can do to prevent heart disease and stroke. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/prevent-heart-disease-and-stroke. Accessed June 13, 2022. American Heart Association adds sleep to cardiovascular health checklist. American Heart Association. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/american-heart-association-adds-sleep-to-cardiovascular-health-checklist. Accessed July 15, 2022. Noseworthy PA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Aug. 8, 2022. See more Expert Answers Products and Services
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