What is a common cause of atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often associated with underlying heart conditions, and one of the most prevalent causes is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD involves the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, which can lead to ischemia (reduced blood flow) to the heart muscle. This ischemic condition can create electrical disturbances in the heart, which may trigger AF.

When the heart's electrical conduction system is disrupted, it can lead to the irregular heartbeats characteristic of atrial fibrillation. Additionally, CAD is linked with other heart complications, such as heart failure and myocardial infarction (heart attack), both of which can further increase the risk of developing AF.

Understanding the common causes of atrial fibrillation helps in identifying at-risk patients and directing them towards appropriate management strategies. While the other options may play roles in overall cardiovascular health, they are not direct or common triggers for atrial fibrillation like coronary artery disease is.