Risk factors for atrial fibrillation

Doctors don’t always know what causes atrial fibrillation, but certain factors make you more likely to develop it. Your risk increases with age, because of electrical and structural changes that occur in the heart over time. Men are slightly more likely than women to develop atrial fibrillation. Your risk also can be affected by excessive use of alcohol, cigarettes or stimulant drugs (including caffeine).

Often, atrial fibrillation is associated with other conditions, including:

• a history of coronary heart disease, heart attack or heart failure 
• heart valve disease, an inflamed heart muscle or lining or recent heart surgery
• atherosclerosis and angina
• chronic lung disease, pulmonary blood clots, emphysema and asthma
• thyroid disorders, diabetes or high blood pressure 

Atrial fibrillation fact sheet (pdf)