Diet For Atrial Fibrillation - Which Foods Are Excluded?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common persistent cardiac arrhythmia and occurs when there is a disturbance in the normal rhythmic pumping of blood from the heart muscle. The heart consists of four cavities - two atria and two chambers. The contraction of their muscles occurs under the stimulation of an electrical impulse.

In atrial fibrillation, chaotic electrical stimulation of the atria occurs, which manifests itself in uncoordinated contraction of individual muscle fibers, leading to the impossibility of qualitative contraction of the entire atrium, but only vibration with a very high frequency of over 500 contractions per minute.

Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure, both of which can be fatal if not treated quickly and effectively.

In addition to treatment, there are some lifestyle changes , such as diet, that can help manage atrial fibrillation. Some foods can adversely affect heart health and have been shown to increase the risk of both atrial fibrillation and other heart diseases.

A diet high in processed foods, as well as products high in added sugar , such as sodas and pastries, are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. They can also lead to other negative health consequences such as weight gain, diabetes, decreased cognitive skills and some cancers.

Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Alcohol can also cause episodes of atrial fibrillation in people who already have the condition, especially in the presence of  cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Alcohol consumption can contribute to hypertension , obesity and sleep-disordered breathing - all risk factors for atrial fibrillation. Studies show that even moderate alcohol consumption can be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation.

Recent data show that people who follow the recommended limits - two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women - are not at increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

Caffeine

Although drinking coffee may initially raise blood pressure, long-term studies have found that regular coffee consumption is not associated with a higher cardiovascular risk. Consuming up to 300 milligrams (mg) of caffeine - or 3 cups of coffee - a day is generally safe.

However, the consumption of energy drinks is a risk. This is because energy drinks contain caffeine in higher concentrations than coffee and tea. They also contain sugar and other substances that can affect the heart. Numerous observations and reports have linked the consumption of energy drinks to serious cardiovascular conditions, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Fat

Obesity and high blood pressure can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, so a healthy diet and a balanced diet are important. Some studies show that eating foods high in saturated fat and trans fats may be associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and other cardiovascular conditions. Foods such as butter, cheese and red meat have high amounts of saturated fat.

Studies have found that diets high in saturated fat and low in monounsaturated fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of persistent or chronic atrial fibrillation. Monounsaturated fatty acids are found in plant foods, such as nuts, avocados, olive oil.

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Studies show that salt intake of sodium  may increase the chances of developing atrial fibrillation because salt can raise blood pressure. Hypertension or high blood pressure can almost double the chances of developing atrial fibrillation.

Many processed and frozen foods use a lot of salt as a preservative . It is important to read food labels and stick to fresh and low-salt foods. Fresh herbs and spices can keep food fragrant without the addition of salt. It is recommended to consume less than 2300 mg of sodium (about one teaspoon of salt) per day as part of a healthy diet.

Sugar

Studies show that people with diabetes are 40% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation than people without diabetes. Experts do not yet know what causes the link between diabetes and atrial fibrillation, but high levels of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood, which is a symptom of diabetes, may be a factor.

Foods high in sugar can raise blood glucose levels. Consumption of many sweet foods constantly can lead to the development of insulin resistance . More research is needed to determine how blood sugar levels can affect atrial fibrillation.