Atrial fibrillation is a condition of an irregular and rapid heartbeat that results in poor blood flow throughout the body. In a normal heart, electrical impulses originating in the right atria signal the two upper chambers (called the atria) and two lower chambers (called the ventricles) of the heart to contract and relax in coordination effectively pumping blood through the body. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the electrical impulses in the atria are chaotic causing the atria to contract rapidly which prevents efficient blood flow from the atria to the ventricles. Many conditions can cause this electrical imbalance to occur.
Hypertension
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the most common cause of atrial fibrillation, according to information provided by Patient UK. High blood pressure causes added stress to the walls of your arteries as well as your heart. When you have high blood pressure, the heart has to beat harder to supply blood to your body. This added stress on the heart can result in the atria becoming enlarged, which increases the risk for atrial fibrillation.
Coronary Artery Disease
The coronary arteries are the arteries that supply the heart with oxygenated blood and nutrients. When these arteries become damaged or blocked by the buildup of fatty tissue known as plaque, the arteries become narrow restricting the blood flow into the heart. The heart being deprived of oxygenated blood can interfere with the electrical impulses causing atrial fibrillation.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland located in the neck produces too much of the thyroid hormones, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Approximately 10 to 15 percent of all patients with hyperthyroidism also have atrial fibrillation as reported by The Indian Pacing and Electrophysiology Journal. Thyroid hormones help to regulate sodium and potassium channels, which create the electrical impulses that keep the heart beating. Too much thyroid hormone interferes with the flow of sodium and potassium across membranes which results in irregular impulses. In addition, thyroid hormones cause tissues throughout the body to demand more oxygen, which increases the workload and stress on the heart which can result in irregular beating, or atrial fibrillation.
Exposure to Stimulants
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over a long period of time can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Binge drinking may also contribute to atrial fibrillation. Exposure to other stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, over-the-counter medications such as decongestants and illegal drugs such as cocaine can also cause atrial fibrillation.
