Atrial fibrillation risk factors

Atrial Fibrillation Microchapters
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Special Groups Postoperative AF Acute Myocardial Infarction Wolff-Parkinson-White Preexcitation Syndrome Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Hyperthyroidism Pulmonary Diseases Pregnancy ACS and/or PCI or valve intervention Heart failure
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

The most common cause of atrial fibrillation is atrial dilation associated with hypertension. Approximately 1/3 of patients have familial atrial fibrillation which is due to an underlying genetic disorder. Given the number of patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting in the developed world, this is an increasing underlying cause of atrial fibrillation. Other general causes include the advancing age of the population this hemodynamic stress of heart failure and valvular heart disease, myocardial ischemia, a variety of inflammatory disorders, pulmonary diseases, alcohol and drug abuse, and endocrine disorders.

Reversible or Modifiable Underlying Conditions Associated with Atrial Fibrillation

• Alcohol and alcohol withdrawal
• Breath spray which contains alcohol
• Caffeine
• Cocaine
• Coffee
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
• Esophageal surgery
• Ethanol
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothermia
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypoxia
• Pericarditis and pericardial disease in general
• Pheochromocytoma
• Pulmonary embolism
• Stimulants
• Tea

Risk Stratification

Once a patient develops atrial fibrillation, their risk of subsequent events can be assessed using the following tow scores:

CHA2DS2-VASc Score

The risk of bleeding associated with anticoagulation can be assessed using the following score: