Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Atrial Fibrillation On The Increase In United States

March 19, 2006
DEAR MAYO CLINIC:
I am being treated for atrial fibrillation. I've read that there has been a substantial increase in this condition since 1985. Is Mayo Clinic (or any other institution) doing research on likely causes for this increase?

I have always maintained a normal weight, never smoked, drunk only moderately and exercised regularly. For years, I did work at a job that required lots of computer use. Have you looked into whether a significant number of new cases of atrial fibrillation are occurring in frequent computer users? -- Vadnais Heights, Minn.

ANSWER:
Studies from Mayo Clinic and other institutions show a significant increase in the number of people with atrial fibrillation. In Olmsted County, Minn., home of Mayo Clinic, cases have increased threefold over 30 years.

Atrial fibrillation is the medical term for a heart out of sync. The heart's two upper chambers beat chaotically and out of rhythm with the heart's lower chambers. The condition generally isn't life threatening, but it can cause shortness of breath, fatigue and other symptoms. It also increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.

Atrial fibrillation generally affects older people. About 2.3 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation. The incidence increases markedly over age 65. About 10 percent of those older than 80 have atrial fibrillation.

Since more people are living longer, an increase in atrial fibrillation is no surprise. But even after adjusting for a larger, older population, the incidence of atrial fibrillation has increased significantly.

Researchers have identified other risk factors that likely contribute to the jump in atrial fibrillation. They include obesity, hypertension and sleep apnea. The role each plays is the subject of ongoing research.

Computer use and atrial fibrillation are not connected. Abnormalities in the heart's structure most commonly cause atrial fibrillation. Your healthy lifestyle -- while benefiting you in many ways -- won't prevent atrial fibrillation if your heart's structure is the underlying cause.

-- Bernard J. Gersh, M.B.Ch.B., D.Phil., Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.