A-Fib: The New Heart Disease Targeting Youth

A recent study by Dr Aditya Bhonsale, a cardiac electrophysiologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, revealed that a quarter of the 67000 patients treated for A-Fib (Atrial fibrillation) were younger than 65. Most of the young patients were diagnosed with A-Fib risk factors like blood pressure, obesity, and sleep apnea, which could potentially worsen their heart health. 

A-Fib is a condition when the heart beats irregularly, often at high speed. This disease was generally found in people aged 65 or more but now is targeting even younger. It is attacking even those who are in their thirties. According to doctors, A-Fib cases among young adults are a result of lifestyle-related stress, hypertension and obesity.

The head of cardiology at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science) Delhi, Dr Rajiv Narang, shared having seen similar trends. He shared, “According to hospital-based registries and studies in India, A-Fib is increasingly affecting young people in their late thirties and forties.”

People with pre-existing heart disease, diabetes, high BP, and obstructive sleep apnea are most likely to face this condition. Alcohol consumption, smoking, and vaping are also linked with A-Fib. Apart from these, extreme endurance exercises like marathons and triathlons can increase the risk of A-Fib.

Dr Samir Kubba, the director of cardiology at Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, shares that obesity is a major risk factor for A-Fib, and reducing body weight would help treat it. Another point to remember is changing the lifestyle among young adults with a focus on a healthy diet, good sleep and exercise. He also mentioned that early direction and management in young people can reduce the risk of complications later in life.