Remember the mnemonic PIRATES for the causes of atrial fibrillation. This is quite a comprehensive list:
- Pulmonary embolism, Pulmonary disease, Post-operative
- Ischemic heart disease, Idiopathic (“lone atrial fibrillation”), IV central line (irritating the right atrium)
- Rheumatic valvular disease (mitral stenosis or regurgitation)
- Anemia, alcohol (“holiday heart”), Age, Autonomic tone (vagal atrial fibrillation)
- Thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism)
- Elevated blood pressure (hypertension), Electrocution
- Sleep apnea, Sepsis, Surgery
