Exposure of stimulants like alcohol or caffeine
The prolonged intake of alcohol leads to sympathetic effects, vagal stimulation, and modulation in the variability of heart rate, all of this contributes to the development of atrial fibrillation. The individuals who binge drink alcohol are at greater risk of irregular heart rate and acute cardiac inflammation. The intake of alcohol disturbs the transduction of electrical signals, which keep a normal heart rate. The disruption in the heart rate leads to the development of atrial fibrillation in alcoholic individuals. Another stimulant which develops atrial fibrillation is caffeine ingestion. The studies show that regular coffee drinkers have a higher risk of developing irregular heart rate and thus leading to atrial fibrillation.