In fact, many recurrent episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation have no clear cause, called idiopathic atrial fibrillation, and may be associated with genetics and certain atrial fibrillation susceptibility genes. Some of the more common causes are: hypertension, valvular disease, hyperthyroidism, cardiac surgery, chronic lung disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, pulmonary embolism, pericarditis, and the combination of other types of arrhythmias. Common triggers of atrial fibrillation: may be related to alcohol consumption, stress, electrolyte or metabolic imbalance, and severe infections.