There is general consensus that atrial fibrillation is caused or contributed to by many conditions that strain, damage or irritate the top chambers (atria) of the heart. These are termed risk factors for AF. Even if there is a genetic or familial tendency to develop AF the onset of the condition may be delayed by avoiding or treating the risk factors. Equally, there is evidence that even after AF has developed as a condition its frequency, progression and recurrence after treatment can be reduced by avoiding or treating the risk factors.

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THE RISK FACTORS FOR AF INCLUDE:

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HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION):

High blood pressure needs to be treated and monitored over time because of its major impact on not only causing and triggering AF episodes, but also because it increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart failure. For the majority of AF patients who have high blood pressure they can participate in the successful monitoring and treatment by checking their own home readings with a digital BP monitor.

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OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA:

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) places a significant strain on the heart and is a strong trigger for AF episodes. Treatments to improve OSA can help with AF control but it may be particularly important to focus on treatments which reverse the OSA condition such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol before bedtime.

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OBESITY:

Obesity leads to fatty deposits around the heart which cause damage and irritation to the atria and therefore leads to AF. Obesity issues are leading to younger people developing the AF condition (typically AF is diagnosed in age groups over 50 years). The success of AF treatments and control of episodes is strongly linked with reversing obesity back towards a healthy weight range.

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LOW LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

Regular moderate intensity physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week) is important    for general and heart health. It reduces not only the risk, frequency and severity of AF episodes but also reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack, and helps with high blood pressure treatment and healthy weight goals.

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ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION:

While alcohol consumption is considered to be a component of a cardiac healthy diet in the Mediterranean diet it is a known potent trigger for AF episodes. It is therefore unclear if any amount of alcohol is safe or beneficial for patients with or at risk of AF. Either abstinence from alcohol or up to 3 alcoholic drinks per week is the recommendation.

 

Careful ongoing attention to avoiding or treating modifiable risk factors is an important cornerstone in the comprehensive management of AF. It is a vital component of your AF treatment plan and to your personal participation in achieving your best health outcomes.