A study published in the Journal of Heart Rhythm reported that the most common triggers of atrial fibrillation (AF) are avoidable behaviors like drinking alcohol, coffee consumption and exercise.
Of 1295 participants with symptomatic AF, 957 (74%) reported triggers for episodes of AF. In comparison to participants without triggers and after multivariate adjustment, those reporting triggers had a 71% lower odds of congestive heart failure and a >2-fold greater odds of a family history of AF. The most commonly reported triggers were alcohol (35%), caffeine (28%), exercise (23%), and lack of sleep (21%). Patients reported a median of 2 different triggers. Female sex, Hispanic ethnicity, obstructive sleep apnea, and a family history of AF were each associated with a greater number of AF triggers. Vagal nerve mediated triggers tended to cluster together within individuals.
The authors concluded that the majority of patient-reported triggers are modifiable, thus potentially identifying accessible means to prevent and reduce AF episodes. 
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