Atrial fibrillation is most commonly caused by which of the following conditions?

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atrial chambers of the heart. While several conditions can lead to atrial fibrillation, rheumatic mitral stenosis is particularly significant because it directly affects the heart's anatomy and function.

In rheumatic mitral stenosis, the mitral valve becomes narrowed due to scarring from rheumatic fever, which can lead to increased pressure in the left atrium. This elevated pressure contributes to left atrial enlargement and structural changes that create an environment conducive to the development of atrial fibrillation. The presence of stagnant blood flow due to the narrowed valve can also contribute to thrombus formation, further complicating the patient's condition.

Hypertensive heart disease, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction can also lead to atrial fibrillation, but they often involve different mechanisms such as hypertension-induced heart failure, ischemic changes following a myocardial infarction, or underlying coronary artery pathology. While these conditions are important contributors to the overall incidence of atrial fibrillation, rheumatic mitral stenosis is recognized for its direct association with the rhythm abnormalities due to the structural changes it causes in the heart.

Understanding these relationships provides crucial insights into the management and treatment options