Atrial fibrillation becomes much more common the older we get. In particular, the risk increases when we reach the age of 65-70 and older. Although other predisposing factors also become more frequent with age – for example, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes – age is an independent predisposing factor.
Frequency of atrial fibrillation
- X: Age in years
- Y: AF prevalence in % of the population in the age group
We do not know for sure what causes the atrial fibrillation to become more frequent the older we get. On average, we have a greater tendency for extra beats (“failure beats” or “extrasystoles”), and since these are significant in triggering the atrial fibrillation, it may play a role. There are also changes in the nervous system that we do not have control over ourselves – what is called “the autonomic nervous system”, which can cause atrial fibrillation.
We estimate that the rising average age is the main reason why we can expect a 2-3 doubling in the number of people with atrial fibrillation over the next 20-30 years.
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