Your heart suddenly pounding or beating irregularly? It might not just be nerves. In fact, atrial fibrillation affects up to 10% of the elderly population. But did you know the causes are more diverse than you think?
Why Does Atrial Fibrillation Happen?
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias in clinical practice, and its incidence increases with age. Especially in those over 80, the rate is close to 10%. Aging itself affects the heart's electrical system, and when combined with various diseases, the risk skyrockets.
The most common cause is hypertension. Long-standing high blood pressure puts a strain on the heart, especially the left atrium, leading to structural changes that trigger atrial fibrillation. Last year, my father was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. At first I thought he was just tired, but tests showed hypertension was the cause. Once his blood pressure was controlled, his symptoms improved significantly. Studies show that hypertensive patients have a 1.5 times higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
Connection with Various Heart Diseases
Besides hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and rheumatic heart disease can all cause atrial fibrillation. When the atria enlarge, the shape and structure of the heart change, making abnormal electrical signals more likely. According to one study, 30-40% of heart failure patients also have atrial fibrillation. Heart diseases are closely interconnected, so if one problem is found, others must be checked.
Non-Cardiac Causes
The causes of atrial fibrillation are not limited to the heart. Hyperthyroidism is a very common cause. Excess thyroid hormone speeds up and irregularizes the heart rate, leading to atrial fibrillation. It is reported that 10-15% of hyperthyroid patients develop atrial fibrillation. Anemia can also be a cause. With anemia, the heart gets insufficient oxygen, making arrhythmias more likely. Chronic lung disease is similar; reduced lung function puts extra strain on the heart, increasing atrial fibrillation risk.
Clinically, diseases from other systems like lung disease also raise atrial fibrillation rates. Therefore, if atrial fibrillation is found on an ECG, active medical care is essential. It's not just about relieving symptoms; finding and treating the root cause is key to preventing recurrence. Through comprehensive clinical data analysis, auxiliary tests like thyroid function tests, pulmonary function tests, and blood tests should be performed when necessary to identify the exact cause.
Atrial fibrillation is not just a simple arrhythmia. It increases the risk of stroke by five times, worsens heart failure, and significantly reduces quality of life. However, if the cause is accurately identified and treated, it is a manageable condition. Listen to the signals your heart is sending, and if needed, visit a hospital right away.
