Can a Common Lung Disease, like Asthma, Result in AFib?

If you are suffering from asthma, you are not alone.  It is estimated that approximately 10 percent of Americans live with asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, recent data is showing that unmanaged asthma may be more dangerous than you think.

Asthma is a common, chronic lung disease characterized by spasms in the lungs resulting in difficulty breathing, according to the American Lung Association. If asthma is persistent and unmanaged, it can increase the chance of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) later in life compared to those without asthma, according to a study done by JAMA.

AFib is type of heart disease that affects the heart’s rhythm. During AFib, the heart begins to beat very quickly and irregularly. Untreated, AFib can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other complications.

The findings revealed that participants with uncontrolled asthma had an estimated 74 percent increased risk of AFib than those without. Also, participants who controlled their asthma with medication etc. had a significantly lower risk.

Uncontrolled asthma can also lead to other cardiovascular diseases, heart attack and stroke, according to Healthline. If you have asthma, there are precautions you can take to decrease your risk of AFib and other heart diseases. For best practice, take your medicine as prescribed and maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet (link) and exercising. You should also try to avoid triggers for asthma such as allergies, cigarette smoke, intense exercise and more.