Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

Age. Risk increases progressively as we get older, particularly from the age of 40 onwards.

Cardiovascular factors. High blood pressure (arterial hypertension) is the most common risk factor.

Cardiovascular diseases. These increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Among the most frequent contributing factors are previous heart attacks or angina, poorly functioning heart valves or heart failure (a weak heart).

Diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of atrial fibrillation.

Changes in life habits. Obesity, obstructive sleep apnea or very high intensity physical exercise (professional cyclists, marathon runners) are increasingly more important risk factors.

Isolated health problems. Sometimes a significant but temporary health problem can trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation. For instance, after undergoing heart surgery, since the heart is weakened.

Hereditary factors. People with a close relative with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of developing it. This means there are some genes that enhance the chances of developing atrial fibrillation if other risk factors are present, such as high blood pressure, although genetic factors are rarely the only cause of atrial fibrillation.