September 1, 2023- After menopause an estimated 1 in 4 women may develop irregular heart rhythms — known as atrial fibrillation – in their lifetime, with stressful life events and insomnia being major contributing factors, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
Atrial fibrillation may lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure or other cardiovascular complications. It primarily affects older adults, and more than 12 million people in the U.S. are expected to develop atrial fibrillation by 2030, according to the American Heart Association.
Researchers reviewed data from more than 83,000 questionnaires by women ages 50-79 from the Women’s Health Initiative, a major U.S. study. Participants were asked a series of questions in key categories: stressful life events, their sense of optimism, social support and insomnia.
Researchers noted that stressful life events, poor sleep and feelings, such as depression, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed by one’s circumstances, are often interrelated. It’s difficult to know whether these factors accumulate gradually over the years to increase the risk of atrial fibrillation as women age.