Atrial fibrillation

• Fact: This heart condition becomes increasingly common as you age, affecting 3 to 5 percent of American seniors.
• What you can do: If our genetic test shows you are at high risk of atrial fibrillation, talk to your doctor. There are more than half a dozen clinically proven prevention measures that may help you stave off the health condition.
• Did you know? Drinking alcohol – especially binge drinking – can trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation.

During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s two upper chambers, or atria, beat chaotically and abnormally. This causes an irregular and often rapid heart rate, leading to poor blood flow throughout the body. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness. In some patients the health condition is associated with significant complications, including stroke and heart failure.

Atrial fibrillation is a very common heart rhythm problem. More than 2 million Americans have it. Some experience only occasional episodes, while others have it chronically.

The health condition is caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Our genetic testing service looks for a pair of genetic markers correlated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation that are involved in heart development.

Knowing whether you have an increased genetic risk can help you and your doctor take action to  prevent atrial fibrillation, or at least minimize its impact. There are many options for controlling atrial fibrillation.

Key prevention measures include quitting smoking, reducing stress, losing weight and managing cholesterol and blood pressure.