What are the Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation?
Certain factors increase your risk of developing atrial fibrillation, such as genetics, lifestyle, heart disease, family history, age, other medical conditions, race, and surgical history. A healthy heart, a fast or slow heart rate that occurs due to sleeping or exercising can trigger atrial fibrillation. In some cases, atrial fibrillation can occur due to no particular reason.
Family History and Genetics
You are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation if someone in your family has had atrial fibrillation. Studies also show that some mutated genes can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Some of these gene changes may affect fetal organ development or cells in the heart that control heart rhythm.
In some cases, gene changes may also lead to heart disease.
Age
You become more susceptible to atrial fibrillation as you get older, especially when you are older than 65. Atrial fibrillation rarely occurs in children.