Lifestyle Changes for Arrhythmia

Atrial fibrillation, a form of arrhythmia, is the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder. The condition causes an erratic and unpredictable activity in the heart’s upper changes. It occurs when the two upper changes of the heart experience chaotic electrical signals. This then causes a fast and irregular heart rhythm. Atrial fibrillation, also called Afib, is a common condition that may result in strokes, blood clots, heart failure and other heart-related complications, especially if they are not properly treated. However, arrhythmia can be successfully managed and controlled with lifestyle changes. Cardiologists are beginning to understand the extent of the influence that lifestyle factors have on the condition and the benefits of enforcing lifestyle changes for arrhythmia management. 

What are Some Lifestyle Changes for Arrhythmia Patients?

Some of the lifestyle changes that may affect or are necessary to help manage the condition include:

Exercise 

Daily exercise is an excellent way to keep the cardiovascular system healthy and strong and prevent developing heart diseases. It is also a very important activity in managing arrhythmia. Regular exercise can help control the symptoms of atrial fibrillation and prevent an escalation of the condition. It is recommended that an individual should have at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise to improve cardiovascular health. However, before starting an exercise plan, the individual should consult with a cardiologist to get the proper type of exercise.

Obesity 

This is the leading cause of arrhythmia, and this is because obesity is associated with changes in the electrical signalling within the atria, as well as structural changes to the heart’s upper chambers. This can then result in irregular heartbeats. Also, as weight is gained, fat is deposited in the heart. This extra deposit can also trigger the condition. Unhealthy eating and overeating can also cause inflammation through changes in hormone and cell-signalling pathways in the atria, leading to arrhythmia.

Sleeping patterns 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which some people stop breathing for short periods while they are sleeping. It is quite a common sleep disorder, and research has shown that it can be linked to arrhythmias and other heart diseases. Treatment of this condition can help significantly in improving the symptoms and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation, so it is important to talk to a heart specialist about getting a sleep study.

Diet 

An unhealthy diet high in trans fats, salt, and sweets, clogs arteries and causes fat deposits in the heart. This can lead to several heart conditions including arrhythmias. This is why it is necessary to change the diet if a person has been diagnosed with or is at risk of developing the condition. They must switch the overprocessed food for fresh alternatives, fruits and vegetables, and other heart-healthy foods. Examples include fresh fruits, olive oil, nuts and seeds, etc.

Quit smoking 

Quitting smoking is very important if an individual is experiencing arrhythmia. Nicotine is a stimulant which increases the heart rate and is capable of causing arrhythmia. Additionally, smoking cannot benefit the individual’s overall health because smoking is a risk factor for several conditions like cancer and other diseases. People struggling with quitting smoking can benefit from commonly available smoking cessation patches and gums. If these do not work, they can ask their doctors about other therapies and medications.

Limit their alcohol intake 

While a glass of wine can help an individual relax after a long day, it can cause problems for the heart of a patient who has arrhythmia. Research has shown that alcohol can trigger an episode, and people who drink heavily tend to have a higher likelihood of experiencing an episode of arrhythmia.

Monitor vitamin K levels 

People who take warfarin to reduce their risk of blood clots must be aware of their vitamin K intakes. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables, fish and broccoli. The consumption of these foods while on warfarin can cause unsteady clotting levels. This can also affect the risk of stroke. This is why it is important to consult with a doctor about the significance of vitamin K intake for their treatment.

Monitor the caffeine intake 

Caffeine may pose a threat for individuals with Afib since the stimulant can cause an increase in the heart rate. This can lead to an Afib episode. Caffeine is found in many foods like tea, soda, chocolate and many other drinks like energy drinks. However, research has shown that many people with Afib can consume up to 300 mg of caffeine safely, that is, up to three cups of coffee. Caffeine may also block adenosine, a chemical that can trigger arrhythmias and Afib episodes. Additionally, research has shown that about 2-3 cups of coffee per day may lower the risk of irregular heartbeats. The research has linked the consumption with mildly lower occurrences of heart rate changes.

Take frequent breaks 

Relaxation is very beneficial to the body and the mind. Stress and anxiety can cause dramatic physical and chemical changes, especially to the heart. Proper relaxation can help heal the damage. Granting one’s self a better work-life balance will be very beneficial to the heart.

Finding the Best Treatment Plan

The treatment of Afib does not have a general manuscript that fits everybody with the condition. People with the condition need to consult with their doctors to create the appropriate treatment plan that will be beneficial to them. The plan will probably include both medications, as well as lifestyle changes. 

Finding the best treatment plan usually takes some time. Several types of treatment will usually be administered and discarded or adopted depending on their effectiveness in preventing the symptoms of Afib. In time, however, the individual can prevent some of the risk factors and reduce the likelihood of complications that are related to Afib. In the case where specialists are not available in the individual’s country, Meditour agencies or medical travel agencies could be able to provide the services of specialists in other countries to the individual. This will lead to the patient seeking overseas medical treatment. This can be seen as a form of health tourism or medical tourism.