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6 foods to avoid to manage atrial fibrillation

6 foods to avoid to manage atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat because of irregular beats from the heart’s upper chambers. The heart may abnormally beat up to 400 beats per minute. The condition results from electrical impulses firing from multiple sites in both atria. However, there are treatments to help manage the condition. There are also trigger factors, such as these six foods, which one must avoid to reduce the risk of worsening the condition.

Salt
We add salt to food, usually while preparing meals, to help enhance flavor. However, the ingredient contains sodium, a potential trigger that may worsen Afib episodes. Consuming excessive salt may elevate blood pressure levels and consequently trigger the symptoms of Afib. It is better to exclude the sodium-rich property from meal regimes or significantly reduce intake.

Candy bars
Many people enjoy eating candy bars, but knowing their high sugar content is important. For those with Afib, consuming too many candy bars can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, candy bars can cause digestive issues such as constipation, leading to bloating and gas buildup. This, in turn, may stimulate the heart muscles and potentially trigger AFib. Therefore, limiting candy bar consumption and opting for healthier snack options is best.

Coffee
Despite the energy boost a cup of coffee may give on an exhausting evening, it is unhealthy for people with Afib. Consuming too much might result in higher amounts of caffeine accumulation in the body. This property may stimulate the cardiac system and trigger episodes of Afib. Therefore, someone at risk of Afib should avoid the drink or speak to a healthcare expert about the ideal amount to drink in a day.

White rice
Despite being a staple food in most meal plans, white rice could lead to health issues. The food is usually polished and processed, which strips off healthy fibers, a property vital for heart health, managing cholesterol levels, and keeping one feeling full for longer. Therefore, the lack of healthy fibers could be problematic for individuals at risk of heart disease, eventually leading to atrial fibrillation.

Margarine
Many individuals think that using margarine instead of butter can assist them in managing ongoing health issues. But even this food item may prove unhealthy for people with atrial fibrillation because of its trans fat content. Layering foods with excessive margarine might drastically increase LDL (unhealthy) cholesterol and lower HDL (healthy) cholesterol levels. The phenomenon could turn blood platelets sticky and put one at a greater risk of heart disease. And this can heighten the chance of developing Afib.

Beef
Red meats like beef are foods that could lead to multiple health problems, such as heart diseases. It may increase unhealthy cholesterol levels and spike blood pressure levels. These occurrences are usually breeding grounds for developing complications like atrial fibrillation. Other red meats not ideal for one’s health include beef, veal, and pork.

Every individual has different needs, so it is a good practice to consult a nutritionist for a personalized meal plan.

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