Diet Do’s and Don’ts for Managing AFib

An irregular, racing heartbeat can lead to blood clots in your heart. Atrial fibrillation, called AFib for short, increases your risk of heart failure and stroke. While there are medical treatments for the condition, part of its control depends on lifestyle changes. An overall heart-friendly diet provides the nutrition you need while avoiding trigger food and drink, which can reduce the number of AFib episodes you experience. 

Led by Hector Fabregas, MD, the Healthstone Primary team with three convenient locations in Weston, Pembroke Pines, and Davie, Florida, can help develop an AFib management plan just for you. Book a consultation to ensure control over your heart issues.  

AFib fundamentals

Atrial fibrillation causes your heart to beat faster than normal. It’s caused by an abnormal electrical rhythm in the upper chambers of your heart, resulting in an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). AFib creates an elevated risk of cardiac arrest or stroke.

There’s little you can do about the genetic influences that may drive AFib, but you can change your eating habits to support a healthy heart. Some foods and drinks can trigger AFib symptoms, while others provide the nutrition your heart needs to stay strong. Here are the dietary do’s and don’ts to help you manage AFib. 

Do follow a heart-smart diet

A proven heart-healthy diet includes: 

• Fruits, particularly stone fruits and berries
• Vegetables, including brightly colored choices like leafy greens, squashes, and peppers
• Lean proteins such as fish, chicken, and rabbit
• Whole grains 
• Legumes, nuts, and seeds
• Healthy fats like olive oil and avocados

The American Heart Association provides several heart-friendly dietary tips, including cookbooks and tips. 

Don’t binge on coffee and cola

A morning cup may be fine, but avoid draining entire pots or supersizing your soda. Switch to decaf alternatives after your first energy grabber. You'll keep blood pressure down and sleep better while avoiding a powerful AFib trigger.

Do get into a water habit

Dehydration triggers AFib. Sipping water throughout the day is the best way to ward off dehydration. Choose water over other beverages in your diet, and remember that caffeine and alcohol can accelerate dehydration.   

Don’t forget electrolytes

Low levels of potassium and magnesium trigger abnormal heart rhythms. Eat foods high in these electrolytes, including fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, fortified cereal, beans, nuts, and green leafy veggies—plenty of the foods that are already in the heart-smart diet. Leg cramping is sometimes a sign of low potassium, so keep bananas on hand for a quick boost.

Do watch the salt

Though salt may not cause high blood pressure, it can aggravate an existing condition. High blood pressure can also double your risk of AFib, so substitute other spices and flavor enhancers that help reduce your sodium intake. 

Regardless of other medications or treatments you’ve received for AFib, minding your diet is a powerful preventive factor you can control. 

Partner with the HealthStone Primary Care Partners team for your AFib prevention plan. Contact us here to schedule an appointment today.