Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder. Over the age of 40, one in four people will one day present with AF. Hence the importance of making the diagnosis in time, because without appropriate treatment, AF increases the risk of developing thrombosis or a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
During Heart Rhythm Week, many hospitals will offer free screening. (Information: www.monrythmecardiaque.be)
The normal heart rate is regular and is, depending on the person, between 50 and 100 beats per minute. It is by taking the pulse that you can control the speed of your heartbeat. AF occurs when electrical activity becomes irregular and causes rapid, disorderly contractions of the atria. These abnormal contractions of the atria can cause blood to pump inefficiently throughout the body.
In Belgium, the number of patients with atrial fibrillation is estimated at 150,000, a figure that will double by 2050. Worldwide, there is a 60% increase in the number of hospitalizations due to this heart rhythm disorder. .
Risk factors
While everyone is susceptible to developing atrial fibrillation, certain risk factors can favor its appearance.
Namely: being over 40 years old, having high blood pressure or taking medication to control blood pressure, being diabetic, having already been subject to thrombosis or a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), having had a heart attack or suffering heart failure, sleep apnoea, being overweight, suffering from hyperthyroidism, having excessive alcohol consumption, doing endurance sports, having a family history of atrial fibrillation. In each of these cases, participating in Heart Rhythm Week might be helpful.
