Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib, is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, and it affects millions of adults. If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed, you probably have questions about how it developed. Understanding atrial fibrillation causes is the first step toward managing the condition and protecting your long-term heart health. At AMS Cardiology, we help patients in Horsham and North Wales, and all throughout Montgomery County and Bucks County, PA, get to the root of what’s driving their symptoms.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
AFib happens when the heart’s upper chambers, called the atria, beat irregularly instead of working in sync with the lower chambers. As a result, blood may not move through the heart as effectively, which can lead to blood pooling and a higher risk of developing blood clots.
What Causes Atrial Fibrillation?
There’s rarely a single cause. The atrial fibrillation causes we see most often fall into three groups: underlying heart conditions, other health issues, and lifestyle factors that stress the heart over time.
Heart-Related Causes
The most common causes are tied directly to the heart, including:
- High blood pressure, which forces the heart to work harder
- Coronary artery disease or a previous heart attack
- Heart valve problems and congenital heart defects
- Heart failure or an enlarged heart
- A history of heart surgery
Health Conditions That Raise Your Risk
Several conditions outside the heart can also contribute to AFib:
- Obesity and diabetes
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- An overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism
- Chronic kidney or lung disease
- Age, since the risk climbs as you get older
Lifestyle Triggers
For some patients, everyday habits can set off an episode. Common triggers include:
- Drinking too much alcohol, sometimes called “holiday heart”
- Too much caffeine or other stimulants
- High stress and poor sleep
- Dehydration, illness, or infection
Recognizing the Symptoms of AFib
Knowing the symptoms of AFib can help you seek care sooner. Many patients describe a fluttering or racing heartbeat, but the signs aren’t always obvious. Watch for:
- Heart palpitations or a pounding chest
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- A noticeable drop in your ability to exercise
Some people have no symptoms at all, which is why AFib is sometimes discovered during a routine exam.
Why AFib Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Left untreated, atrial fibrillation can raise your risk of stroke, heart failure, and other serious complications. AFib is highly manageable once it’s properly diagnosed. A cardiologist can pinpoint your specific risk factors, recommend the right treatment, and help you make changes that keep your heart in a healthier rhythm. If you’d like to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options, explore our atrial fibrillation care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some episodes stop without treatment, but AFib often returns and tends to become more persistent over time. That’s why it’s important to have it evaluated, even if the symptoms fade.
Genetics can play a role, and having a close relative with AFib raises your risk. Let your cardiologist know about any family history so they can factor it into your care.
In many cases, yes. Managing your blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and treating sleep apnea can all help lower your risk.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Heart
You don’t have to manage an irregular heartbeat alone. The team at AMS Cardiology offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatment for patients in Horsham and North Wales. Schedule a consultation today to take the next step toward a steadier, healthier heart.