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Medical Edge Newspaper Column from Mayo Clinic

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION ON THE INCREASE IN U.S.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am being treated for atrial fibrillation. I’ve read that there has been a substantial increase in this condition since 1985. Is Mayo Clinic (or any other institution) doing research on likely causes for this increase?

I have always maintained a normal weight, never smoked, drunk only moderately and exercised regularly. For years, I did work at a job that required lots of computer use. Have you looked into whether a significant number of new cases of atrial fibrillation are occurring in frequent computer users? — Vadnais Heights, Minn.

ANSWER: Studies from Mayo Clinic and other institutions show a significant increase in the number of people with atrial fibrillation. In Olmsted County, Minn., home of Mayo Clinic, cases have increased threefold over 30 years.

Atrial fibrillation is the medical term for a heart out of sync. The heart’s two upper chambers beat chaotically and out of rhythm with the heart’s lower chambers. The condition generally isn’t life threatening, but it can cause shortness of breath, fatigue and other symptoms. It also increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.

Atrial fibrillation generally affects older people. About 2.3 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation. The incidence increases markedly over age 65. About 10 percent of those older than 80 have atrial fibrillation.

Since more people are living longer, an increase in atrial fibrillation is no surprise. But even after adjusting for a larger, older population, the incidence of atrial fibrillation has increased significantly.

Researchers have identified other risk factors that likely contribute to the jump in atrial fibrillation. They include obesity, hypertension and sleep apnea. The role each plays is the subject of ongoing research.

Computer use and atrial fibrillation are not connected. Abnormalities in the heart’s structure most commonly cause atrial fibrillation. Your healthy lifestyle — while benefiting you in many ways — won’t prevent atrial fibrillation if your heart’s structure is the underlying cause.

— Bernard Gersh, M.D., Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Additional Resources:
Atrial Fibrillation
Appointment Information
More Information on Atrial Fibrillation

READERS: It’s only a matter of time. A pandemic, a worldwide influenza epidemic, is inevitable, health experts say.

Pandemics tend to occur when disease-causing organisms that typically affect only animals adapt and become capable of infecting humans — then further adapt to pass easily from human to human. People have little or no immunity, so the virus can spread rapidly.

Although experts are concerned about H5N1 virus, a strain of bird flu garnering much attention, no one knows what may occur with this or any other influenza virus.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter recommends taking these steps to minimize risk in the event of a pandemic, whether mild or severe.

— Be knowledgeable. Look to reliable sources for information such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (www.pandemicflu.gov), the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and the World Health Organization (www.who.int/en).

— Get the standard flu vaccine. It won’t protect you from a pandemic flu virus, but it’s a precaution against simultaneous infections.

— See your doctor within two days after flu symptoms begin. If you have a cough, sore throat, muscle aches or fever of 101 degrees or more, your doctor may be able to prescribe an antiviral drug.

— Frequently wash hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Both help prevent the spread of infections.

— Stay healthy. A healthy body means a strong immune system. Eat a healthy diet, get adequate sleep and exercise.

— Consider wearing a facemask in public. It may prevent you from inhaling airborne particles from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes.

— Be cautious with social contact. If you are sick, avoid public places where you are likely to infect others. If you’re not sick, avoid handshakes or close contact with those who are.

— Think carefully about travel. Influenza viruses spread easily when people are confined to small spaces such as an airplane, train or bus.

— Don’t eat undercooked poultry or raw eggs. Thorough cooking kills bacteria and viruses.

— Avoid contact with birds and bird droppings in areas where bird flu outbreaks are occurring. It’s not the time to feed the ducks at your local park.

— Use good respiratory etiquette. Cough or sneeze into a facial tissue and wash your hands often.
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Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. To e-mail a question, go to www.mayoclinic.org, or write: Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic, c/o TMS, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, N.Y., 14207. For health information, visit www.mayoclinic.com.