What Increases Your Risk?

Several factors make AFib more likely:

• Older age, although it can happen at any age
• Conditions that place added strain on the heart including high blood pressure, a previous heart attack, heart surgery, valve disease, heart failure
• Other illnesses such as obesity, sleep apnea or hyperthyroidism
• Family history   
• Drinking too much alcohol (routinely having 3 or more drinks a day or binge drinking) 

Episodes of AFib are often triggered by certain activities. These may include: 

• Heavy alcohol use
• Excessive stimulants such as amphetamines and tobacco
• Periods of severe stress
• the stress of the body fighting infection
• the stress of recent surgery

Pay attention to what might make your symptoms of AFib worse. Be sure to share this information with your health care team.