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Causes of Atrial Fibrillation



There are four chambers present in the heart which are the two lower chambers (Ventricles) and two upper chambers (atria). Within the right atrium are some cells known as the sinus mode. This is the pacemaker of the heart. The sinus mode generates the impulse that begins each heartbeat. When atrial fibrillation occurs, the hearts upper chambers experience electrical signals that are chaotic. Some of the causes of atrial fibrillation could include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart attacks
  • Abnormal heart valves
  • Genetic heart defects
  • Metabolic imbalances or an overactive thyroid gland
  • Exposure to stimulants like alcohol, tobacco, caffeine or medications
  • Sick sinus syndrome which is the ineffective functioning of the natural pacemaker of the heart.
  • Lung diseases or emphysema
  • Previous surgery of the heart
  • Sleep apnea
  • Viral infections
  • Stress due to surgery, pneumonia or other kinds of illnesses

However, some individuals who suffer from atrial fibrillation don’t have any damage or heart defects, which is a condition known as lone atrial fibrillation. In the case of lone atrial fibrillation, the reason is usually not clear and serious complications are rare.

Some of the Risk Factors of Atrial Fibrillation include:

  • Heart Disease: There are many problems of the heart that increase the risks of atrial fibrillation including pericarditis (Inflammation of the sac or membrane around the muscle), heart birth defects, cardiomyopathy (heart muscles that become weak), heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, heart valve disease and coronary artery disease. There is a misfire in the heart’s electrical signals during this condition and the heart beats either fast or slow
  • Lung Disease: The chances of an individual developing atrial fibrillation increases if he or she suffers from some lung disease like emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The chances also increase with pulmonary embolism which is the clotting of blood in the lungs.
  • Other Health Problems: Some of the conditions that can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation are metabolic syndrome, diabetes and obesity. This is because they can result in heart disease or other kinds of health problems.
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Taking in, excessive amounts of alcohol, especially binge drinking can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. However, individuals can also experience an atrial fibrillation episode after consuming small amounts.
  • Psychological Illness, Fatigue and Stress: Times of extreme fatigue and stress can lead to atrial fibrillation. Viral infection can also have this effect.
  • High Dose Steroid Therapy: Recent research has shown that individuals who go through a high dose of steroid therapy for some inflammatory conditions like asthma can have increased chances of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial Fibrillation
Signs & Symptoms
References
  1. W.B Kannel, P.A Wolf, E.J Benjamin, D Levy, Prevalence, incidence, prognosis, and predisposing conditions for atrial fibrillation: population-based estimates, The American Journal of Cardiology, Volume 82, Issue 7, Supplement 1, 16 October 1998, Pages 2N-9N, ISSN 0002-9149, 10.1016/S0002-9149(98)00583-9.
  2. William B. Kannel, Emelia J. Benjamin, Current Perceptions of the Epidemiology of Atrial Fibrillation, Cardiology Clinics, Volume 27, Issue 1, February 2009, Pages 13-24, ISSN 0733-8651, 10.1016/j.ccl.2008.09.015.