Atrial fibrillation rarely causes complications but it can require treatment in cases where symptoms become uncomfortable. In the worst-case scenario, it may trigger blood clotting complications that could lead to stroke. It is commonly linked with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and smoking. In women, however, irregular periods and premature menopause may also significantly increase the risk.
The latest findings, published in JAMA Open Network, emerged from a cohort study of 235,191 women without atrial fibrillation, identified by the UK Biobank.
Medscape summarised the findings, stating: “Early or delayed menopause and a history of irregular menstrual cycles were significantly associated with greater risk of risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation in women.”
During the following up period of 11.6 years, 4629 women were diagnosed with new-onset atrial fibrillation.
The findings showed that compared with women who experienced periods at the age of 12, the risk of atrial fibrillation was significantly higher in women who experienced their periods earlier (between ages seven and 11) or later (between ages 13 and 18).
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The researchers noted: “Menstrual irregularity may be a marker of insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism and/or polycystic ovary syndrome which in turn have been associated with an adverse cardio-metabolic profile.”
The shorter duration of the reproductive cycle, which was defined as a reproductive cycle shorter than 30 years, was also associated with increased atrial fibrillation risk.
The researchers noted that a woman’s reproductive years are the years she’s exposed to endogenous estradiol, which has cardio-protective benefits.
This explains why women in his age group tend to have lower cardiovascular disease rates compared to men of a similar age.
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Another health complication linked to premature menopause is clonal hematopoiesis, a condition associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation.
According to the British Heart Foundation, atrial fibrillation is diagnosed when the top chambers of the heart quiver and twitch, which is known as fibrillation.
“If this happens your heart may beat irregularly, with no set pattern,” says the health body.
Although the condition is not life-threatening, it can be considered serious because it significantly increases the risk of blood clots in the heart.
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The health body adds: “The basics include not smoking, following a heart-healthy Mediterranean -style diet (high in plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats).”
Alcohol is another known culprit.
Evidence suggests having as little as one to three alcoholic beverages a day could increase the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Aside from avoiding unhealthy habits, physical activity and keeping a normal weight are equally important for keeping the heart healthy.