Which of the following is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation?

Which of the following is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Sleep apnea
• C. Alcohol use
• D. Hyperthyroidism

Answer: (C)

Alcohol use is a known, modifiable trigger for atrial fibrillation. Heavy or binge drinking can acutely provoke episodes, a scenario often called “holiday heart syndrome,” where excess alcohol increases atrial ectopy and sympathetic activation, and can disrupt electrolyte balance, all of which help initiate irregular atrial rhythms. Chronic high alcohol intake can also contribute to structural changes in the atria over time, elevating AF risk. Other factors like hypertension, sleep apnea, and hyperthyroidism also raise AF risk by promoting structural and electrical remodeling or by increasing atrial excitability, but the question highlights alcohol use because it’s a common, modifiable trigger that can directly precipitate episodes and improve with reduced intake.

Alcohol use is a known, modifiable trigger for atrial fibrillation. Heavy or binge drinking can acutely provoke episodes, a scenario often called “holiday heart syndrome,” where excess alcohol increases atrial ectopy and sympathetic activation, and can disrupt electrolyte balance, all of which help initiate irregular atrial rhythms. Chronic high alcohol intake can also contribute to structural changes in the atria over time, elevating AF risk.

Other factors like hypertension, sleep apnea, and hyperthyroidism also raise AF risk by promoting structural and electrical remodeling or by increasing atrial excitability, but the question highlights alcohol use because it’s a common, modifiable trigger that can directly precipitate episodes and improve with reduced intake.