In the US, heart disease is the leading cause of death. Because 1 person dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease, it’s vital you get checked up often, especially if you notice symptoms.
One heart condition you might come across is atrial fibrillation, or AFib. What is AFib? It’s a heart condition where you have an irregular heartbeat.
If left untreated, it can have devastating consequences, such as stroke or heart failure. But if you’re proactive, you can improve your quality of life decrease risks.
Keep reading for a short guide on living with AFib to be happy and healthy!
Eat Healthier
If you’re guilty of going through the drive-through more often than you’d like, then it’s time to change that. You’ll want to eat a diet full of healthy fats and low on salt.
Of course, you should also get plenty of fruits and veggies, as well as lean protein and whole grains. On the flip side, if you’re on blood thinners, try to avoid eating too much vitamin K, which is found in foods such as lettuce, broccoli, and spinach.
Try to watch your caffeine intake, which includes some offenders you might not have thought about, such as chocolate and soda. And drink less alcohol; drinking large amounts can trigger AFib. Plus, it can make you bleed too much if you’re on blood thinners.
Exercise More
Just because you have Afib doesn’t mean you can’t still be active. In fact, it can make your heart stronger, seeing as it’s a muscle!
Staying fit and active can also help you sleep better and maintain your weight. Both are vital, as adequate sleep helps your body rest and repair itself, and those who are obese have a higher chance of AFib.
Always check with your doctor before you start a new exercise routine.
Stop Smoking
As you probably already know, smoking’s bad for your lungs. But it can also damage your blood vessels. As a result, you might be at a higher risk of heart disease and even heart attacks.
It can be difficult to quit smoking, so ask your doctor for some efficient quitting methods if you need some assistance.
Touch Base With Your Doctor
After your diagnosis, it’s important to keep touching base with your doctor. They’ll prescribe treatments (including medications) to help you manage your symptoms, so make sure you keep up with them.
If you feel like things aren’t working, then don’t just stop treatment on your own. You need to speak with your doctor and they’ll adjust your plan accordingly.
For more information, visit afibmatters.org to see if your questions are answered here.
Keep Your Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms in Check
Getting an atrial fibrillation diagnosis can be scary. But so long as you stay in touch with your doctor and keep up with a healthy lifestyle, it can be manageable.
If you found this guide to Afib helpful, then read the rest of our blog for more health and wellness topics.
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