Causes of Arrhythmia
Many conditions, activities and substances can potentially cause or lead to arrhythmia, including:
- Genetics - being born with a heart abnormality
- Heart disease
- Changes in the heart muscle, or cardiomyopathy
- Valve disorders
- Injury or scarring due to heart attack
- Healing process following heart surgery
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Hyperthyroidism
- Electrolyte imbalances in the blood (such as sodium or potassium)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Stress
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
- Smoking
- Drug abuse
- Dietary supplements
- Over-the-counter medications (such as cough/cold remedies)
- Prescription drugs, including some medications commonly prescribed for arrhythmias, heart disease and high blood pressure
- Environmental/workplace exposures (such as industrial-plant pollution, automobile emissions, cigarette smoke, propane gas or paint thinners)
