Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as AFib, is one of the most common heart disorders. A lot of atrial fibrillation patients experience fluttering in their chests, and this is because the condition is caused by the misfiring of the electrical signals that enable the heart to function normally. People living with atrial fibrillation face challenges doing some things. Seeking treatment and making some lifestyle changes can make life easier. Atrial fibrillation is a condition you can live a fulfilling life with, and we will be looking at how to ensure this is the case in this article.
Ensure that you are physically active if you want to lead a normal life with atrial fibrillation. Weight control, a stronger heart, and improved sleep are some of the benefits of staying physically active. However, you should not overdo the exercises. You should seek advice from your doctor before you start any workout routine because some of them may overwork your heart. Running out of breath is quite common during exercise and should not worry you too much since resting will get you right back on track.
Secondly, you have to watch your diet. Vegetables, lean proteins, and fruits are a must-have if you want to manage atrial fibrillation. Caffeine increases the heart’s rhythm, and as such, should be cut completely from one’s diet. You should also eat foods that are rich in vitamin K. If you are on blood-thinning medication, ensure that you consult your doctor for guidance because too much of this vitamin does not bode well with the medication. Also ensure that you cut back on alcohol consumption and eliminate fatty foods from your diet to control your cholesterol.
Thirdly, you need to quit smoking. Nicotine destroys blood vessels, which is why patients of atrial fibrillation who smoke are prone to getting heart attacks. It can be difficult for one to stop smoking if they have already become addicts. Consult a doctor if you are already an addict so they can prescribe medication or other nicotine replacement alternatives.
Atrial fibrillation patients are also encouraged to watch their weight for them to manage this condition. You are at a greater risk of suffering from atrial fibrillation even after procedures such as ablation if you are too heavy. You can control your weight by watching what you eat and exercising.
Too much stress can trigger your AFib symptoms, and this is why you need to keep stress to a minimum. Meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, and workouts can help you control your stress levels, thereby keeping atrial fibrillation symptoms at bay. You can also seek help from a therapist or join a support group so you can discuss the stressing issues in your life.