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Question:

Can asbestosis cause a fib, other heart problems or diabetes? 

Can asbestosis in the lungs cause A-Fib, missed heart beat, other heart problems or diabetes? 

submitted by James from Alvin, Texas on 3/5/2013

Answer:

by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Roberto Lufschanowski, MD  

Dear James: By itself, asbestosis does not, but any chronic lung disease can be associated with atrial fib or skipped beats. As far as I know, there is no association with diabetes. [You may find the web resource cited below of interest regarding asbestos-related disease.]    

See also on this site:     

• What are Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases? from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute                   
  
• Heart Information Center 

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Updated March 2013