Hi clausch4 - Thank you for writing, and for seeking more information about atrial fibrillation, the most common irregular heart rhythm in the United States. In addition to cardiac risks, atrial fibrillation also increases the risk for stroke, and it's important to have as much information as possible to help understand and manage this condition.
The American Heart Association provides basic information here:
A family history of heart disease can increase risk, but is not necessarily an indicator that a family member will get heart disease. Dr. Iva Smolens explains in the following video:
https://www.empowher.com/media/video/does-family-history-heart-attacks-increase-risk-heart-disease-dr-smolens-video
As far as your family members not being able to get a diagnosis, can you provide some additional information that will help us in responding? Are they being treated by family physicians or have they been seen by cardiac specialists? Have their doctors refused to do tests? Are they dealing with health insurance restrictions?
We look forward to hearing more from you.
Take care, Pat
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Hi clausch4 - Thank you for writing, and for seeking more information about atrial fibrillation, the most common irregular heart rhythm in the United States. In addition to cardiac risks, atrial fibrillation also increases the risk for stroke, and it's important to have as much information as possible to help understand and manage this condition.
The American Heart Association provides basic information here:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4451
The Cleavland Clinic provides more extensive information, including data on several diagnostic tests, here:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/atrial_fibrillation/afib.aspx
A family history of heart disease can increase risk, but is not necessarily an indicator that a family member will get heart disease. Dr. Iva Smolens explains in the following video:
https://www.empowher.com/media/video/does-family-history-heart-attacks-increase-risk-heart-disease-dr-smolens-video
As far as your family members not being able to get a diagnosis, can you provide some additional information that will help us in responding? Are they being treated by family physicians or have they been seen by cardiac specialists? Have their doctors refused to do tests? Are they dealing with health insurance restrictions?
We look forward to hearing more from you.
February 8, 2010 - 6:55pmTake care, Pat
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