Causes
While in many cases, the cause of Atrial Fibrillation is unknown, there are a number of conditions that can lead to AF, including:
- Chronic lung conditions: Individuals with emphysema, asthma, pulmonary blood clots are at greater risk for developing AF.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): A condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become constricted and/or clogged.
- Excessive alcohol use: Excessive alcohol use acts as a toxin on the heart and may lead to AF.
- Exposure to heart stimulants: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco increase heart rate and can lead to AF.
- Family history: AF tends to run in families. A person who has a parent with AF has an increased risk of developing it.
- Having heart surgery: AF also occurs in as many as 50 percent of patients undergoing cardiac operations.
- Heart Failure: A condition in which the heart’s main pumping chamber does not pump blood normally. An estimated 25 percent of heart failure patients also have AF.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure may directly cause Atrial Fibrillation, in addition to other conditions that can cause AF, such as coronary artery disease. Individually, AF and hypertension are risk factors for stroke. When both are present, the risk factor for stroke increases greatly.
- Inflammation of the heart: Pericarditis, a condition in which the tissue that surrounds the heart (pericardium) becomes inflamed, can irritate the atria and lead to AF.
- Pulmonary disease: A condition in which a blood clot develops in the legs and travels to the lungs. This can sometimes trigger AF.
- Structural heart defects: Abnormalities in the heart’s structure are the most common cause of AF. In addition, damage to the heart valves can cause the atria to enlarge and lead to AF.
- Thyroid disease: A condition in which thyroid hormones are elevated due to an overactive thyroid gland. This can increase the risk of AF.
- Viral infection: In rare instances, viral infections can weaken the heart structure and lead to AF.
Prevention
For some individuals, AF is unpreventable. Still, maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle often reduces the risks of developing heart conditions such as AF. Engaging in regular exercise, eating heart-healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities such as smoking and binge drinking help maintain or improve the overall health of one’s heart.
Individuals diagnosed with AF may have to make significant lifestyle changes to avoid further aggravating their condition. A physician may encourage them to:
Quit smoking – The use of tobacco increases heart rate and can worsen AF.
Decrease blood pressure – Concentrate on lowering blood pressure by making healthier eating choices.
Avoid heart stimulants – Intake of OTC medications, caffeine and tobacco products often trigger AF episodes or increase their frequency.
Increase their level of physical activity – Engaging in regular exercise can reduce blood pressure, stress and improve the overall health of the heart.
Published: January 1, 2007
