8 Tips for Living Safely With Atrial Fibrillation

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Chris Illiades, MD on June 24, 2021
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    8 Tips for Living Safely With Atrial Fibrillation
    Atrial fibrillation (afib) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, among Americans. The good news is that it's possible to live a normal, active life, but you need to follow your healthcare provider's guidelines. Left untreated, atrial fibrillation does increase your risk of stroke and heart failure. Here are eight tips to help you live safely with atrial fibrillation.
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    Work Closely With Your Doctor
    Atrial fibrillation treatment isn't the same for everyone. It's also important to know that even your own individualized afib treatment plan may change over time as your needs change. Always let your doctor know about all your symptoms to make sure you're getting the treatment that's best for you. Keep your medical appointments, get necessary blood tests, and take all your medications. Also, when you see any of your other healthcare providers, take a list of all your meds with you.
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    Take Precautions When on Blood-Thinning Medications
    Preventing blood clots that can form in the heart and travel to the brain is an important part of treatment. If you are taking warfarin to prevent clot formation, you need to know that many medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbal preparations, and vitamins, can interfere with its effectiveness. Your blood can become too thick or too thin, which could increase your risk of stroke or hemorrhage, respectively. Always check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before stopping, adding, or changing any medications.
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    Make Changes to Your Diet
    Following a heart-healthy diet is an important part of an afib treatment plan. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for nutrients and fiber. If you are taking warfarin, be careful not to eat too many foods with vitamin K. Your liver uses vitamin K to make clotting factors. Suddenly eating lots of food with vitamin K, like leafy green vegetables, could interfere with the way warfarin works. Talk to your caregiver about vitamin K. There are special cookbooks that can help you stay on a heart-healthy diet with the right amount of vitamin K.
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    Be Smart About Over-the-Counter Cold and Allergy Medicines
    Some over-the-counter medications contain stimulants that can speed up your heart and trigger an atrial fibrillation attack. They may also interfere with atrial fibrillation medications you're taking to control your heart rate or rhythm. Examples include nasal sprays, cough and cold preparations, allergy medications, and some herbal medicines. Always check with your provider or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medication.
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    Limit Alcohol, Caffeine, Salt, and Nicotine
    Alcohol and caffeine may be okay in moderation, but large amounts can trigger atrial fibrillation. If you are very sensitive to these substances, you should probably avoid them all together. Salt does not trigger afib, but it does contribute to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Nicotine is a heart stimulant that can trigger afib. It is also a huge risk factor for heart disease and stroke. If you still smoke, find a way to stop. You'll never need a better reason to quit!
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    Get Regular Exercise
    Whether you like taking a 20-minute walk every day or going to an exercise class at the gym, any type of regular physical activity is good for your heart in general. Exercise strengthens your heart. It cuts down on fatigue by increasing your energy and helping you sleep better at night. Exercise can also help you lose weight, and being at a healthy weight is an important part of managing atrial fibrillation. Talk to your provider about what level of activity is safe for you.
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    Find Ways to Lower Stress
    Emotional stress seems to be a big trigger for symptoms in about half of all people with afib. Having an unpredictable disease like atrial fibrillation can be scary, and that can add to your stress. To handle stress, first identify what triggers it and then adopt a coping strategy. Try saying no when pressured to take on more than you can handle comfortably. Practice positive self-talk, physical exercise, and deep breathing. Make sure you get enough sleep and make time to do the things you enjoy. These are all good ways to lower stress and boost positive feelings.
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    Educate Yourself
    Learn as much as you can about atrial fibrillation, and take an active role in managing your condition. The more you know, the more you will feel in control. That reduces fear, anxiety, and stress. Being knowledgeable about your disease also allows you to make smart lifestyle changes and informed treatment decisions. It all adds up to better atrial fibrillation management and a reduced risk of stroke and heart failure.
8 Tips for Living Safely With Atrial Fibrillation
  1. Shea JB, Sears SF. A Patient's Guide to Living With Atrial Fibrillation. Circulation. 2008;117:e340-e343. American Heart Association. http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/117/20/e340.full
  2. How Can I Manage Stress? American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/image/ucm_300690.pdf
  3. Living With Atrial Fibrillation. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation
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Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 24
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