SAN ANTONIO — Most of us know that as we age we become more and more prone to medical ailments. But one ailment in particular may be becoming more common. We Verify.
We've heard that as a population ages and bodies grow older, not all organs can keep up. That is especially the case for the brain, but also for a very important muscle: the heart.
THE QUESTION
Is it true that atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm also known as AFib, is becoming more common?
THE SOURCES
- Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a Board-Certified Family Medicine physician and Associate Professor from the Department of Family Medicine at the Rowan University-School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Northwestern Medicine
THE ANSWER
TRUE
WHAT WE FOUND
Dr. Caudle says it is absolutely becoming more of a problem as the population ages, and that just opens the door for other health issues.
She added, "One of the things that we worry about with atrial fibrillation is its risk for stroke. People with atrial fibrillation have a five-time increased risk for stroke, which is one of the many things that makes it so important to talk about."
In a recent article published in Northwestern Medicine, it concurred and read, "Many of the most common ailments also predispose you to developing AFib, including high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. More than 2.7 million people have AFib in the United States, and that number continues to increase as the population ages."
So yes, it is true. Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm also known as AFib, is becoming more common.
Dr. Caudle also recommends purchasing some type of blood pressure and EKG monitor combined so you can keep up with your heart health even more from your own home.
Omron Healthcare has a program called "Going For Zero" which aims to eliminate heart attacks and strokes by focusing on preventative medicine both at the office and at home. Check it out to find out what else you can do to keep up with your heart health.