Coping with A-Fib, finding Ways to Live Better

Learning new ways to heart health

Coping with A-Fib is a side effect of the disease

The main topics are going to be about the importance of diet and exercise, and some questions I hope to clear up for you about A-Fib. People need to be aware of certain foods that can lower your risk of arrhythmia and which foods and drinks to avoid that trigger A-Fib episodes. Coping with A- Fib, finding ways to live better. The first and most important step is to “get diagnosed early on”.

Discovering A-fib

I was diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation after age 40, so I am in the 82% percentile of people that didn’t know what to do about the symptoms they were experiencing (according to the Harris Poll). My first inclination that my heart wasn’t beating right was when I was in Junior high school, but never thought to mentioned it. To my knowledge no one had ever talked about A-Fib, I had no idea it existed, just like 61% of the people today. I spend a lot of time learning new ways to heart health, like yoga and the right diet, as I learned, what you eat affects A-Fib.

A huge reason I’m writing this article is, to heighten awareness of A-Fib, why? So that everyone afflicted can be properly tested, diagnosed and treated early on. If you don’t catch it early in the beginning Atrial Fibrillation can be chronic and then progress to severe and you don’t want that suffering.

I’ve spent a lot of time in and out of the emergency rooms after I was diagnosed. After tolerating the symptoms for 7+ years I went in for a non-evasive surgery called ablation. That really did wonders for around 4 years. Then I started having chronic symptoms again and I went in to have another ablation.

This one didn’t do as good as the first one. I then had severe A-Fib. Long story short, I had to have a pacemaker implant.  Since then, the quality of life for me has been tremendously restored. I exercise daily and lean towards eating the Mediterranean diet, focusing on heart healthy foods.

Driving was a concern I had, so was traveling, I didn’t go far from home in fear of having an episode. Below are some concerns you might have. (Coping with A-Fib, finding ways to live better).

Have concerns about A-Fib?

Can you drive with A-Fib?

In general, yes. But if episodes of A-Fib cause dizziness and fainting, you need to stop driving entirely. Discuss it with your doctor.

Can you travel on a plane with A-Fib?

People with A-Fib can generally fly without issue. Patients should only fly if their disease is under control. High altitude may worsen some types of arrhythmias.

Can you exercise with A-Fib?

Exercise (like yoga) is good for your heart, but if you rev up your heart rate, will that trigger the irregular pattern of atrial fibrillation?

Don’t worry too much. Experts say physical activity is usually good for people with A-Fib.

What are some Triggers of A-Fib?

Dehydration (never get dehydrated)

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, mostly binge drinking.

Drinking lots of caffeine, such as coffee, tea, energy drinks.

Smoking restricts your blood vessels and can lead to stroke or heart attack.

A-Fib Overview

Some information on Atrial fibrillation

If you have A-Fib, then you have been informed by your Cardiologist just how important it is to get exercise to minimize risk factors. Diet and fitness should be on the top of your list (besides medications prescribed by your doctor) to lower your risk of stroke. I’d like to share with you, which beverages and foods to try to avoid when you have A-Fib.) If you don’t have A-Fib and you are wondering what it is, I’ll be happy to let you know.

A-Fib (Atrial fibrillation) is a common heart rhythm disorder that can increase your risk of stroke. In atrial fibrillation, blood can pool in the heart’s upper chambers and form blood clots. If a blood clot forms in the left sided upper chamber, it could break free from your heart and travel to your brain causing a stroke. A-Fib can be controlled with medication prescribed by your Cardiologist. Be aware that your diet and exercise regimen could lower your risk. Below are some percentages of people that are unaware of A-Fib or didn’t know what to do when they had it, the information was just not there.

These percentages are too high

Here’ the percentages of people unfamiliar about A-Fib

According to a 2019 national survey of 1010 US adults aged 40 and older conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the BMS/Pfizer Alliance.

• 61% said that they aren’t familiar with A-Fib.
• 82% of non-diagnosed adults wished they knew more about the symptoms of A-Fib and what to do if they experience them.
• Among adults 65+, 58% did not know that their age can potentially put them at risk of A-Fib.
• SYMPTOMS OF AFIB INCLUDE.
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Light headedness

A-Fib and Diet

Drinks to avoid

Here are some beverages to avoid (or at least lower your intake) that are considered stimulants and irritants such as coffee, cranberry juice, chocolate, processed and salty foods, some teas, soda, gluten, energy drinks, grapefruit nicotine and alcohol.

Alcohol tops the list of items to avoid on an atrial fibrillation diet. You need to stay hydrated. Vitamin K interferes with certain blood thinners (warfarin). Coconut water is high in Magnesium and Potassium, it’s low in salt and is great for hydration.

Heart Healthy Foods

Foods you should add to your diet

The Mediterranean diet works best for your body when you have A-Fib. Here are some heart healthy foods that are low in vitamin K.

• carrots
• cauliflower
• corn

  

• celery
• green beans
• mushrooms
• peas
• onion
• pumpkin
• potatoes
• red cabbage
• radish
• tomatoes

Carbs to Avoid

Avoid refined carbs, trans fat, MSG, gluten, casein, excessive sodium.

Avocado, green tea, kiwi, liver, kale, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, lentils, lettuce, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, chickpeas, corn, chive. If you do eat these vegetables, eat them in moderation.

It will take a while to get use to but if you start with the Mediterranean diet and slowly introduce foods you like in moderation, you’ll succeed in a heart healthy routine. If you get tired of salmon, there’s always cod, halibut, seafood and lots of vegetables to munch on. Below are some white meats to add to your new diet.

Lean meat high protein

Eat white meats

Salmon, Albacore Tuna, Pork Chops, Turkey, Chicken, Beef in moderation, Lamb, Prawns in moderation, Mussels, Casein is a meat alternative, Tofu.

What exercise is good for relieving stress?

Exercise by Yoga

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One of the best stress relief exercises to try at home is (Ad) Yoga. Not only is yoga easy to practice at home but it also enhances our mental focus. When stress swipes in our mind it loses its calm and clouds of chaos hovers. Try yoga with its series of postures and controlled breathing exercises. Yoga is a popular stress reliever. It brings together physical and mental disciplines which may help you achieve peacefulness of body and mind.

Yoga is also the best thing you can do for yourself if you’re a senior like myself. It’s very important to stop the loss of muscle mass in our later years. Toning up with stretches doesn’t seem that hard, and it’s not, you only stretch as far as you want to in yoga practice. It’s a wonderful experience. all who have Atrial fibrillation and to all who do not, I wish you success in lifestyle changes and hope you are better informed! Please visit my other site at https://shers-shop-site.com

Please leave a comment below, I’d like to hear feedback,

I wish you the best!

Sherry

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