Atrial Fibrillation Health Center

Risk factors for atrial fibrillation include:

• Age older than 60.
• Being white and male.
• Heart failure.
• Heart valve disease.
• High blood pressure.
• Coronary artery disease and heart attack.
• Obesity.
• Obstructive sleep apnea.
• A family history of atrial fibrillation.
• Surgery on the heart.
• A history of rheumatic fever.
• Infection, such as pneumonia or endocarditis.
• Lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Metabolic conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes.
• Use of alcohol. Long-term, heavy alcohol use seems to be linked to atrial fibrillation.
• Use of stimulants. These include medicines, such as theophylline, amphetamines, and decongestants that contain stimulants (such as pseudoephedrine); illegal drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamines, or crank; and excessive nicotine or caffeine.
• Use of some prescription medicines, such as albuterol or theophylline.
• Congenital heart disease and surgical repair of congenital heart disease.