HEALTHY LIVING


New Dangers Revealed About Atrial Fibrillation


This condition is more common and can lead to heart failure. :: BY CHARLOTTE LIBOV N


ew research is underscoring that atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm,


is more widespread and dangerous than previously thought. It’s currently estimated that 5 to


6 million people in the U.S. have atrial fibrillation, but this number could rise as high as 12 million in the coming decades, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). “Atrial fibrillation is a very


serious disorder, but we are just learning how widespread a problem it is, and, not only that, but it causes more dangerous complications than we thought,” cardiologist Chauncey Crandall, M.D., tells Newsmax. Atrial fibrillation occurs when


the upper chambers of the heart begin to beat too fast, resulting in a chaotic heartbeat. For the first study, conducted


in Denmark, researchers analyzed 3.5 million adults age 45 and older for 23 years and found that the prevalence of atrial fibrillation has increased from one in four people to one in three. “This is a substantial increase


and highlights the growing burden of this condition,” says Nicklas Vinter, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the study published in the British Medical Journal. The study also found that the


disorder jeopardizes the heart more 80 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | AUGUST 2024


than previously thought. Although atrial fibrillation is not generally considered life-threatening, it’s dangerous because it increases the risk for stroke. It also causes the heart to


overwork and raises the risk of congestive heart failure, but this risk was considered secondary. However, this new study finds


that, while one in five people will develop stroke, two in five will develop heart failure. Blood thinners are prescribed


for people with atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke, but there is no comparable treatment to prevent heart failure, Vinter noted. “Our findings highlight the need


for future research to develop new medications that can help control the heart’s rhythm and reduce heart failure risk,” he explained. The second study, published


in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, disputes the long-held belief that, although AFib can occur at younger ages, when it does, it is less serious than when it happens to those who are older. This study by researchers at


UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Pittsburgh looked at 67,000 participants and found that one- quarter of them age 65 or younger had atrial fibrillation — far more than expected. Also, instead of being less


serious, these younger patients had a higher risk of hospitalization from heart failure and stroke, and even


an increased risk for death, the researchers said. But there is good news on


AFib from research as well, says Crandall, author of Newsmax’s Heart Health Report. “Research also shows that


lifestyle changes can help prevent atrial fibrillation, and these studies underscore that we need to do it.”


DR. CRANDALL: PREVENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION


Lose weight. People who are


overweight are at higher risk of atrial fibrillation. Exercise daily. Several research


studies have found that daily exercise — even as moderate as walking — can reduce risk for AFib, or even improve symptoms in those who have it. Check for sleep apnea.


People with sleep apnea are at four times the risk of developing it. Eliminate or minimize alcohol. One


study showed that consuming just a single alcoholic drink daily led to a 14% higher risk over 16 years. Quit smoking. Any type of smoking, including tobacco, but also e-cigarettes and vaping can increase atrial fibrillation risk, numerous studies find. Get screened for high blood


pressure. High blood pressure can damage the heart’s electrical system, which regulates the heartbeat, triggering atrial fibrillation.


CRANDALL


LIGHTSPRING/SHUTTERSTOCK


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