Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is primarily caused by problems with the heart's structure and electrical signaling. Common causes and contributing factors include:

• Heart diseases such as high blood pressure, heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart defects

• Conditions affecting the heart's natural pacemaker, like sick sinus syndrome

• Lung diseases including pneumonia and pulmonary embolism

• Thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

• Sleep disorders, especially obstructive sleep apnea, which strongly increase AFib risk

• Lifestyle factors like excessive alcohol consumption, caffeine, smoking, illegal drug use, and stimulants from medications

• Other risk factors include obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, age (risk increases with older age), family history, and stress

• Infections and inflammation of the heart (myocarditis or pericarditis) can also trigger AFib

Triggers that can provoke AFib episodes include poor sleep quality, alcohol intake, dehydration, stress, excessive exercise, and certain dietary factors

. In some cases, AFib occurs without known heart disease or damage, sometimes due to genetic predisposition or idiopathic causes

. In summary, AFib results from a combination of structural heart problems, electrical disturbances, systemic conditions, and lifestyle or environmental triggers that disrupt the heart's normal rhythm.