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Atrial Fibrillation Health Center

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Atrial Fibrillation - What Increases Your Risk

Risk factors for atrial fibrillation include:

Recurring atrial fibrillation

Researchers have recently found a link between obstructive sleep apnea and recurrent atrial fibrillation. A recent study found that people with obstructive sleep apnea were more likely to have atrial fibrillation recur after it had been converted to a normal rhythm.

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which breathing stops during sleep for 10 seconds or more, many times during a night. This interferes with getting enough oxygen while you sleep. Low oxygen levels may trigger atrial fibrillation.

If you have atrial fibrillation, and especially if you are overweight, ask your doctor if you should be screened for obstructive sleep apnea. Treating your sleep disorder may reduce the risk that atrial fibrillation will come back.6

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 18, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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