Is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Hereditary?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm condition that affects over 10 million people in the U.S. It happens when the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) beat in a fast and uneven way. AFib can have serious consequences, including stroke. So, it’s important to know if you’re at risk. 

If your parent, brother, or sister has AFib, you may wonder whether you’re more likely to have it, too. The answer isn’t always simple. Family history can play a role, but it’s only one part of the picture. Your age, health, lifestyle, and other medical conditions also matter.

Is AFib hereditary?

Atrial fibrillation can be hereditary. Research shows that there are many genes linked to AFib. These genes are more common in people of European ancestry. In this ethnic group, up to 1 in 5 cases of AFib may be connected to genetics. 

But these genes may also be found in people from other ethnic and racial groups. Having a gene for AFib doesn’t always mean that you’ll get it. But it does mean it’s more likely you will. 

There’s no standard genetic test that looks for the genes that cause AFib. But that may become available in the future. For now, knowing your family history can give you important clues about your likelihood of getting Afib. 

What causes AFib?

Your genes can increase your likelihood of getting AFib, but other health conditions can also elevate your risk. Having these conditions can influence whether your inherited risk is low or high. 

These conditions include:

• High blood pressure

• Obesity

• Congestive heart failure

• Heart valve problems 

• Lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Diabetes

• Coronary artery disease

• Moderate or heavy alcohol use

• Smoking

• Hyperthyroidism

• Chronic kidney disease

• Sleep apnea

The risk of getting AFib has more than doubled in recent decades. Widespread changes in lifestyle and rising rates of the above chronic health problems may be part of the reason why.

At what age does AFib usually start?

Age plays an important role in AFib. Based on a study of U.S. adults, here’s how Afib affects people based on their age.

Before age 60, men are more likely to get AFib than women. But after age 60, women are at slightly higher risk. Researchers are still studying whether the hormonal changes that happen during menopause might be a factor. 

The bottom line? Your risk of developing AFib increases as you get older. Since it doesn’t always cause symptoms, it’s important to get regular checkups with your healthcare team.

Can you prevent AFib with a family history?

Your family history is just one thing that affects your risk for AFib. That means that there are many things you can do to reduce the likelihood that you’ll get AFib, including:

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Keeping your blood pressure in the normal range, and taking medications when needed.

• Exercising regularly

• Limiting alcohol

• Getting treatment for sleep apnea, if needed

• Avoiding tobacco products

• Getting regular primary care checkups, including healthcare screenings

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Written by:

Sarah A. Samaan, MD

Sarah Samaan, MD, FACC, FACP, FASE is a board-certified cardiologist who practiced clinical cardiology for nearly 30 years. She is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Physicians, among others.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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