What condition commonly leads to atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is often associated with various underlying conditions, and coronary artery disease is one of the most prevalent contributors. This link is primarily due to the fact that coronary artery disease can result in ischemia of the heart muscle, leading to structural and electrical remodeling of the atrial tissue. Such changes can create a substrate conducive to the development of atrial fibrillation, as the normal electrical conduction pathways in the atria become disrupted.

In patients with coronary artery disease, the presence of myocardial ischemia and subsequent fibrosis can lead to atrial dilation and enlargement. These alterations in the atrial structure foster an environment where reentrant circuits and ectopic foci can emerge, propagating the chaotic electrical impulses characteristic of atrial fibrillation. Thus, the relationship between coronary artery disease and the onset of atrial fibrillation is well-established in clinical practice and research.