How Does Age Affect My Risk Of Developing An Abnormal Heart Rhythm Such As Atrial Fibrillation?

Dr. David Haines answers the question: 'Age And Abnormal Heart Rhythm Risk?'

ByABC News
November 18, 2008, 2:12 PM

— -- Question: How does age affect my risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation?

Answer :Atrial fibrillation is much more common in older patients then in young patients. We see patients of all ages with atrial fibrillation, but as the patient ages, the risk increases exponentially. By age 80 approximately one in 10 patients has atrial fibrillation.