The exact cause of atrial fibrillation is not always known, but certain health conditions and lifestyle factors significantly increase the risk.
How Does AFib Develop?
Normally, the natural pacemaker called the sinus node located in the upper right chamber of your heart produces regular electrical signals. These signals cause the heart to beat rhythmically.
In atrial fibrillation, a disruption occurs in this system. Numerous irregular electrical signals from the upper chambers of the heart can cause chaotic and rapid heartbeats. The atria quiver and do not contract properly. This makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.
Heart and Vascular Diseases
High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of AFib. Uncontrolled high blood pressure strains the heart muscle and changes the structure of the heart over time. These changes increase the risk of developing AFib.
Coronary artery disease, meaning blockages in the vessels that feed the heart, can lead to AFib. When the heart muscle does not receive enough blood and oxygen, rhythm disorders can occur.
Heart valve diseases, especially mitral valve problems, are among the important causes of AFib. When the valves do not work properly, pressure changes occur inside the heart and this can trigger AFib.
Heart failure can both cause AFib and be a result of AFib. When the heart does not pump strongly enough, rhythm disorders can develop.
A previous heart attack leaves damage in the heart tissue and this damage increases the risk of AFib.
Congenital heart diseases create a predisposition to AFib in some people.
Inflammation of the heart sac, namely pericarditis, can temporarily cause AFib.
Other Medical Conditions
Overactivity of the thyroid gland is an important cause of AFib. Hyperthyroidism increases heart rate and can lead to rhythm disorders. For this reason, thyroid functions are definitely checked when AFib is diagnosed.
Lung diseases, especially COPD and pulmonary embolism, increase the risk of AFib. The lungs and heart are closely related; lung problems affect the heart.
Acute infections such as pneumonia can temporarily trigger AFib. When the infection is treated, the rhythm may return to normal.
Sleep apnea is strongly associated with AFib. Frequent breathing pauses during sleep stress the heart and significantly increase the risk of AFib. Treatment of sleep apnea can improve AFib.
Diabetes is another condition that increases the risk of AFib. Long-term high blood sugar damages the heart and vessels.
Age and Genetic Factors
- Age is the strongest risk factor for AFib. AFib is much more common over the age of 65 and the risk increases progressively with age. As the heart ages, the electrical system changes and rhythm disorders develop more easily.
- Family history is also important. If your parents or siblings have AFib, your risk of developing it is higher. Some genetic variations create a predisposition to AFib.
- Race factor also plays a role. AFib is more common in people of European origin and less common in people of African origin.
It occurs slightly more in men than in women, but when older women develop AFib they generally experience more severe complaints.
Lifestyle Factors
Obesity or excess weight is an important risk factor for AFib. Excess weight puts extra load on the heart, increases blood pressure, and changes the structure of the heart. Losing weight can reduce the risk of AF and even improve existing AF.
Excessive alcohol consumption is a known cause of AFib. Regular excessive drinking significantly increases the risk of AFib. There is even a condition called "holiday heart syndrome." Even a single instance of excessive alcohol can cause temporary AFib in healthy people.
Smoking damages the heart and vessels, increasing the risk of AFib. Quitting smoking reduces the risk.
Lack of physical activity is a risk factor. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and high blood pressure, which increase the risk of AFib.
High stress levels and chronic anxiety can contribute to the development of AFib.
Interestingly, excessively intense exercise is also a risk factor. The risk of AFib increases in marathon runners and extreme endurance athletes. Moderate regular exercise, however, is protective.
Triggers
Some factors trigger AFib attacks. Alcohol, especially excessive consumption, is the most common trigger. Caffeine can trigger attacks in some people.
Stimulant substances, drugs like cocaine or amphetamines, trigger AFib and can cause serious damage to the heart.
Some medications can increase the risk of AFib. Decongestants in cold medicines and some asthma medications increase heart rate.
Stress and anxiety, fatigue and lack of sleep, and electrolyte imbalances can also be triggers.
Secondary Causes
Sometimes AFib appears as a result of a temporary condition. AFib is common after surgery, especially after heart surgery. It is usually temporary and resolves within a few weeks.
Serious infection or illness, excessive physical stress, dehydration, and electrolyte (such as potassium, calcium, magnesium) imbalances can cause temporary AFib. In these situations, AFib usually disappears when the underlying cause is treated.
Lone AFib
In some people, especially younger individuals under 60 years of age, AFib can develop without a known cause. This is called "lone AFib" or "idiopathic AFib." In these people the heart appears completely normal and there is no other health problem. Still, lifestyle factors or not-yet-discovered genetic factors may be playing a role.
What Can Be Done to Reduce AFib Risk
Many of the risk factors are modifiable. Maintaining a healthy weight, keeping your blood pressure under control, managing your diabetes well, quitting smoking, and limiting your alcohol consumption can significantly reduce the risk of AFib.
Regular but not excessive exercise, stress management, and sufficient quality sleep are also protective factors.
If you are in a high-risk group, for example if AFib runs in your family or you have heart disease, have regular checkups with your doctor. Early detection and treatment prevent complications.