Risk Factors

A distinction is made between risk factors for blood clots and bleeding and risk factors for atrial fibrillation. A thorough review of risk factors for blood clots and bleeding is the basis for advising or discouraging treatment with blood-thinning drugs.

Some risk factors for atrial fibrillation can be managed, for example, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, alcohol consumption, and sleep apnea. Others can not be managed, for example, age, height, and sex.