Life with atrial fibrillation (AFib) has its challenges, for sure. But with the right treatment and some lifestyle changes, you can stay active and energetic.
Symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and a fast heartbeat can make it harder to do your daily activities. You might have to adjust your routine because of your symptoms or the medicine you take to treat them.
Here are a few simple changes you can make and good habits you can practice to protect your heart and help you feel your best.
Eat Smart When Living With Atrial Fibrillation
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is always a good idea. Here are a few other diet tips for people who have AFib:
Opt for a healthier-fat, low-salt diet. 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. These can make your heart race.
Cut back on alcohol. A drink or two might be safe with your doctor's OK. But large amounts can set off bouts of AFib. If you take blood thinners, alcohol could make you bleed too much.
Regulate amounts of vitamin K. People who take the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) need to be careful about eating foods that are high in vitamin K such as broccoli, spinach, or lettuce.
Your body uses vitamin K to help your blood clot. Coumadin stops blood clots from forming. Eating a lot or very little of this vitamin can affect how well your medicine works. Try to eat about the same amount of vitamin K-rich foods each day.
Stay Active to Help Control AFib Symptoms
You can still exercise when you have AFib. Staying active will help control your weight, improve your sleep, and make your heart stronger. See your doctor before you start any new fitness program to make sure the activity is safe for you.
Ask your doctor how to handle your AFib during exercise. If your heart goes out of rhythm during a workout, stop and rest.
Maintain a Healthy Weight to Lower AFib Risk
When you are too heavy, you have a higher chance of AFib. It also makes your AFib more likely to come back after a procedure such as ablation.
If your doctor or dietitian has told you that you’re obese, try to lose at least 10% of your body weight with diet and exercise.
Quit Smoking to Protect Your Heart from AFib Complications
The nicotine in cigarettes can make this condition worse. Smoking also damages your blood vessels and raises your chances for heart disease and a heart attack.
Ask your doctor to recommend a method, such as medicine or nicotine replacement, to help you quit.
Manage Stress to Prevent AFib Flare-Ups
Stress can trigger AFib episodes. When you feel anxious, try relaxation techniques such as:
- Deep breathing
- Exercise
- Massage
- Meditation
- Yoga
If your stress feels too much to handle, see a therapist or seek out a support group for help.
Improve Sleep to Lower Atrial Fibrillation Triggers
Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. About half of the people with AFib don't sleep well because their breathing stops over and over again during the night — a condition called sleep apnea.
If you snore or feel like you never get a good night's rest, see your doctor for a diagnosis.
Stick to Your AFib Treatment Plan for Better Control
Your doctor will prescribe medicine or other treatments to control your heart rhythm and prevent blood clots. Take your medicine just as prescribed. Don't change the dose or stop taking it without first asking your doctor.
Take Other Medicines and Supplements Safely
Some medications, such as cough and cold medicines, have stimulants that can make your heart beat faster. Other medicines and supplements you take can interact poorly with your AFib drugs.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist before you take any new medicine — even ones you buy at the drugstore without a prescription.
Takeaways
Life with atrial fibrillation has challenges that can interfere with your daily activities. There are things you can do to make living with AFib easier, such as following your treatment plan, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing your stress and sleep schedules can also have a huge impact on your life with atrial fibrillation.
FAQs About Living With AFib
Is atrial fibrillation a lifelong condition?
Yes. Once you have been diagnosed with AFib, you will always have AFib. However, with proper management and healthy lifestyle modifications, you can control the condition and lessen complications.
How do I get out of AFib?
If you think you are having an atrial fibrillation attack, seek medical attention — especially if your symptoms are severe or last a long time. Often, a racing heart will pass quickly on its own. Deep breathing exercises can help. The best way to manage AFib is to prevent an attack by following your treatment plan and with lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and creating healthy diet and exercise habits.
Can I lead a normal life with AFib?
Taking proper treatment, managing any other underlying conditions, and making healthy lifestyle choices can help you live well with atrial fibrillation.
