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What Is The Life Expectancy Of Someone With Atrial Fibrillation?

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Posted on Mon, 8 May 2017
Question: Is life shortened with afib , with every thing else normal in 80yr old
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Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, only if complications develop

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome.
This is Dr. Sameer, Cardiologist.

Atrial Fibrillation alone does not decrease life expectancy but if complication developed because of Afib life expectancy can decrease.

These complications can be-

Stroke as a result of clot formation in heart (this clot can travel to other parts of body to cause decreased blood supply to that area)

Weakening of heart if heart rate due to Afib is persistently high(Tachycardiomyopathy).

So it is important to keep the heart rate in control & prevent the clot formation by taking a blood thinner medicine.

Feel free to ask further.
Thanks and take care

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 818 Questions

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What Is The Life Expectancy Of Someone With Atrial Fibrillation?

Brief Answer: Yes, only if complications develop Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome. This is Dr. Sameer, Cardiologist. Atrial Fibrillation alone does not decrease life expectancy but if complication developed because of Afib life expectancy can decrease. These complications can be- Stroke as a result of clot formation in heart (this clot can travel to other parts of body to cause decreased blood supply to that area) Weakening of heart if heart rate due to Afib is persistently high(Tachycardiomyopathy). So it is important to keep the heart rate in control & prevent the clot formation by taking a blood thinner medicine. Feel free to ask further. Thanks and take care