One study found that a 10% weight loss, along with managing associated risk factors such as sleep apnea and alcohol consumption, can reverse AFib progression. Weight management also can reduce the risk of recurrent AFib after having a cardiac ablation procedure to correct the abnormal heart rhythm.
Avoid saturated fat, trans fat, and salt to help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This will also protect your blood vessels. Limit caffeine. Watch how much soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate you have.
Tyramine: Aged cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, and gorgonzola, as well as pepperoni, salami, soybean, and snow peas are rich sources of tyramine. This can raise blood pressure and theoretically trigger AFib.
Eat foods high in these electrolyte-rich minerals, such as fruits, vegetables and fish, whole grains, fortified cereal, beans, nuts, and green leafy veggies. Leg cramping is an early sign of low potassium, so keep a banana on hand for a quick infusion into your system.
The basics include not smoking, following a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet (high in plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats), being physically active and keeping to a normal weight (as indicated on a body-mass index chart).
Build Up Gradually
When you have AFib, jumping into exercise too quickly -- with high intensity or long workouts -- could cause symptoms. Instead, start slowly with 5 to 10 minutes a day of walking. Add a minute or two every week or so. Your ultimate goal is a total of 30 minutes of activity a day, 5 days a week.
AFib can lead to blood clots in the heart. The condition also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
Atrial fibrillation is most often caused by changes to the heart's tissue or the electrical signaling that helps the heartbeat.
Contents. People with atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of having a stroke. In extreme cases, atrial fibrillation can also lead to heart failure.
Whether from consuming excess caffeine or alcohol or a lack of water, dehydration is a very common trigger for atrial fibrillation. Caffeine and alcohol are powerful diuretics, which means if a person doesn't drink enough supplemental water, they can become dehydrated, which can lead to episodes of atrial fibrillation.
By following a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can limit experiences that trigger AFib or atrial flutter, as well as reduce your risk of heart disease. Browse our specialists and get the care you need.
The most common symptom of atrial fibrillation is fatigue, or extreme tiredness. Other symptoms include: Low blood pressure. Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down or when exercising.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists the benefits of magnesium as keeping heart rhythm steady (like antiarrhythmic A-Fib meds), maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, supporting a healthy immune system, and keeping bones strong. It's also needed for healthy blood pressure and blood sugar management.
vitamin D is an emerging risk factor of AF, and is implicated in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. It has been established that this vitamin is extensively involved in the regulation of both the renin angiotensin aldosterone system and the immune system.
There is no cure for persistent atrial fibrillation. But treatment can slow or prevent symptoms, making it easier for you to manage the condition. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol can also help reduce abnormal heart rhythms and prevent complications.
Avocado Provides 'Good' Fats
It's essential to eat an adequate amount of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, says Rivera, and avocados are perfect for that. The unsaturated fat in avocados can help raise good cholesterol and also act as a natural anti-inflammatory, she adds.
Low-Fat Dairy
Options like low-fat milk, plain low-fat yogurt, and moderate portions of cheese are a part of a Mediterranean-style eating pattern, which is tied to a lower risk of heart problems in people with Afib. You can get your fill by eating two to three servings per day, says the AHA.
There is no one specific fruit that is best for heart palpitations. However, fruits that are rich in potassium and magnesium, such as bananas, avocados, and oranges, may help regulate heart function and reduce the occurrence of heart palpitations.
“Dark chocolate has been shown to favorably impact some of the risk factors for atrial fibrillation, such as high blood pressure, body inflammation, and the response of the body to stress,” says Bunch.
The Amazing Health Benefits Of Chocolate
Dark chocolate has been shown to have a higher concentration of nutrients, which is beneficial to people with atrial fibrillation.