A systematic evaluation of the available evidence suggests similarities as well as important differences in the risk factors for incidence of AF as compared with other cardiovascular diseases , which has implication s for the primary prevention strategies for atrial fibrillation
Established primary prevention strategies of cardiovascular diseases are based on underst and ing of risk factors , but whether the same risk factors are associated with  atrial fibrillation ( AF )  remains unclear .
Palpitations are predictive of future atrial fibrillation. An 11-year follow-up of 22,815 men and women: the Tromsø Study
Background : Atrial fibrillation ( AF ) is a common cardiac arrhythmia which increases morbidity and mortality . Identification of risk factors is therefore important . We examined the impact of palpitations and cardiovascular risk factors in prediction of AF ( all types ) and lone AF in a large population -based cohort . Design : We carried out a prospect i ve population -based cohort study . Methods : A total of 22,815 participants from a population survey in 1994–1995 were followed-up for a mean of 11.1 years . Mean age at baseline was 46 years . Measurements of height , weight , blood pressure , heart rate , total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol , and information on palpitations , diabetes , angina , myocardial infa rct ion , and antihypertensive treatment were obtained at baseline . The outcome measure was first-ever AF , documented on an electrocardiogram .  Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios ( HRs ) for AF . Results : Palpitations were associated with increased risk of AF in both women ( HR 1.62 , 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] 1.29–2.02 ) and men ( HR 1.91 , 95 % CI 1.54–2.35 ) . For hypertension the HR for AF was 1.98 ( 1.46 - 2.69 ) in women and 1.40 ( 1.13 - 1.74 ) in men . The HR for 1 SD increase in body mass index ( BMI ) was 1.16 ( 1.06–1.27 ) in women and 1.47 ( 1.32–1.63 ) in men . Body height and BMI were associated with increased risk for lone AF in men . Conclusion : Palpitations , hypertension and BMI were predictive of future atrial fibrillation in both sexes
A systematic evaluation of the available evidence suggests similarities as well as important differences in the risk factors for incidence of AF as compared with other cardiovascular diseases , which has implication s for the primary prevention strategies for atrial fibrillation
Established primary prevention strategies of cardiovascular diseases are based on underst and ing of risk factors , but whether the same risk factors are associated with  atrial fibrillation ( AF )  remains unclear .