What Are the Causes of Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation is a condition that causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat erratically. This condition can be caused by a number of factors, and can lead to many dangerous complications.

Causes

• Some of the causes of this condition include high blood pressure, heart defects, abnormal heart valves, heart attacks, viral infections, heart surgery, stress due to illness or surgery, sleep apnea, lung diseases, and sick sinus syndrome.

Significance

• Conditions that affect a person's heart, such as congenital heart defects, heart attacks, and high blood pressure all contribute to this condition. These conditions make the upper chambers of the heart beat erratically due to damage to the heart, causing a rapid heart rate, poor blood flow, palpitations, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Risks

• Some factors can contribute to the development of this disease. These include excessive alcohol consumption, age, heart disease, and the family history of a patient.

Complications

• Atrial fibrillation can cause serious complications such as stroke and heart failure.

Treatment

• According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment methods aim to reset the rhythm of the heart. This is done by medications and electric shock to the heart. Other medications help to maintain the rhythm of the heart. In serious cases, surgery is required.