Many women have never been concerned about — or even heard of — atrial fibrillation (AF), a common and dangerous heart condition. But by not knowing the risk factors for and symptoms of AF, women miss the opportunity to take preventive measures and lower their chances of receiving early treatment.

AF is an uncoordinated and irregular heart rhythm in which the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat faster and in a different rhythm than its lower chambers. AF can be intermittent or persistent. Because the heart beats inefficiently, blood can pool inside the chambers and lead to clots. If a clot leaves the heart and travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. Among stroke victims, 15% have AF. Also, AF increases the risk for heart failure (characterized by insufficient pumping capacity).

By age 60, one in 25 women will develop AF… by age 80, one in 10 women will. In one study, women with AF were 4.6 times more likely than men to have a stroke and 2.5 times more likely to die from heart-related causes. Risk factors…

Other cardiovascular concerns. AF often is accompanied by high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and/or obesity. Self-defense: Know your status for these other heart disease risk factors… and follow your doctor’s advice regarding diet, exercise and medication.

Overactive thyroid. Elevated thyroid hormone is a known risk factor for AF. New finding: Even borderline thyroid levels on the high end of “normal” may increase AF risk. Ask your doctor for a blood test to check thyroid function.

Osteoporosis medication. Some research suggests that women taking alendronate (Fosamax) or similar medications for bone loss may be more prone to AF. The evidence is not yet conclusive, however.

High alcohol intake. In a large-scale study, women who had more than two drinks per day had a 60% higher risk for AF. Best: Have no more than one drink daily.

If you have any symptoms of AF — racing pulse, irregular heartbeat, light-headedness, weakness, fatigue, chest pain — seek medical attention without delay. AF is treated with medication or a minimally invasive procedure to control the heart’s rhythm or its rate. New finding: In women, rate control may be most effective. Treatment also may include blood-thinning drugs to prevent clots. Caution: Doctors tend to manage AF less aggressively in women than in men — for instance, women are less likely to be given a blood thinner — so ask your doctor to discuss all treatment options.