Advertisement
question

What stimulants trigger atrial fibrillation?

Douglas E. Severance, MD
Douglas E. Severance, MD
Family Medicine
answer
Different foods, beverages, medications, and recreational drugs are stimulants and can trigger atrial fibrillation. The most common offenders include:

- Over-the-counter cold, cough, and sinusitis medications that contain pseudoephedrine. This ingredient is known to cause the development of arrhythmias.
- Caffeine can cause your heartbeat to speed up your nervous system. Caffeine is a known trigger of atrial fibrillation. If you mix caffeine with a cold medicine, you have an increased risk of problems.
- Nicotine is another stimulant that can make your heart speed up. Over time, it may cause arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation.
- Recreational drugs and diet pills can also speed up your heart and increase the chance of atrial fibrillation. 

Continue Learning about Atrial Fibrillation

9 Myths About Atrial Fibrillation, Debunked
9 Myths About Atrial Fibrillation, Debunked
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common types of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia. It’s estimated that this condition, often called AFib, affe...
Read More
What You Need to Know About Atrial Fibrillation
What You Need to Know About Atrial Fibrillation
In a healthy heart, an electrical signal that starts at the top and spreads to the rest of the heart prompts it to contract, squeezing blood from the ...
Read More
Is it safe to have sex if I have atrial fibrillation?
Is it safe to have sex if I have atrial fibrillation? You should be able to have sex if you have atr...
More Answers
Can an echocardiogram help diagnose atrial fibrillation?
Can an echocardiogram help diagnose atrial fibrillation? Not usually, but it can help show the cause...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.