Triggers of atrial fibrillation Mnemonic [Easy to remember]

Ah, atrial fibrillation — the cardiac equivalent of your atria screaming “YOLO!” 😀 and firing impulses like bazooka. If your patient’s ECG suddenly looks like it’s trying to perform jazz hands, don’t panic — just remember the mnemonic: PIRATES 🏴‍☠️

Because nothing says chaotic atria like a pirate crashing your sinus rhythm.

Triggers of Atrial Fibrillation Mnemonic

Letter	Trigger	Explanation
P	Pulmonary Embolism	Sudden strain on the right heart = electrical chaos. 💥
I	Ischaemia	Lack of oxygen makes atria cranky. Classic post-MI arrhythmia.
R	Respiratory Disease	COPD, pneumonia… because lungs and hearts love to bicker. 🌬️😤
A	Atrial Enlargement / Myxoma	Big atria = more room for mischief. Tumor bonus: surprise AFib. 🏰
T	Thyroid Disease (esp. hyperthyroidism)	Hyper = heart on espresso. ☕💓
E	Ethanol	Aka “Holiday Heart Syndrome.” Your atria after that third margarita. 🍸💃
S	Sepsis / Sleep Apnoea	Systemic stress or nocturnal suffocation — either way, atria revolt. 😴🔥

🔍 Clinical Bonus

AFib = irregularly irregular rhythm with absent P waves (look above for a classic Afib ECG)
Always check TSH, electrolytes, and that party animal history (👀 looking at you, E for Ethanol).

If your patient’s heart is behaving like a pirate mutiny — irregular, chaotic, and slightly drunk — remember: PIRATES did it. Blame the booze, the lungs, the thyroid, or just good ol’ atrial rebellion.