Does older age increase the risk of getting atrial fibrillation?

Answer From Rekha Mankad, M.D.

Yes. Your risk of getting atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm condition, rises as you get older. Atrial fibrillation is much more common in older adults. When younger people get atrial fibrillation, it's most often linked to other heart conditions.

With aging, your risk of getting other conditions that can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation also rises. These conditions include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, obstructive sleep apnea, heart valve problems and heart failure.

But lifestyle choices can improve heart health. To help prevent atrial fibrillation and other heart conditions with lifestyle choices:

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Eat foods that are low in salt, saturated fat and trans fat.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Limit or don't drink alcohol.
  • Keep a healthy weight.

With

Rekha Mankad, M.D.

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July 13, 2023 See more Expert Answers

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  2. Atrial fibrillation
  3. Atrial fibrillation ablation
  4. Atrial fibrillation and managing stress
  5. AV node ablation
  6. Robot-assisted minimally invasive mitral valve repair at Mayo Clinic
  7. Cardiac ablation
  8. Caregiving for someone with atrial fibrillation
  9. Does atrial fibrillation run in families?
  10. Echocardiogram
  11. Ejection fraction: What does it measure?
  12. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
  13. EP study
  14. Heart palpitations
  15. Heart Rhythm Conditions
  16. Holter monitor
  17. Mayo Clinic Minute: Identifying and treating atrial fibrillation
  18. Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  19. Maze procedure
  20. Minimally invasive heart surgery
  21. Planning to travel with atrial fibrillation?
  22. Pregnancy and atrial fibrillation
  23. Pulmonary vein isolation
  24. Shortness of breath
  25. Should I make changes to my diet if I've been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation?
  26. X-ray