Atrial fibrillation is a condition of irregular heartbeats that causes poor blood flow to the body. Symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion and weakness. Atrial fibrillation may be caused by previous cardiovascular conditions such as abnormal heart valves, congenital heart defects and high blood pressure. Viral infections and metabolic imbalances may also cause atrial fibrillation. If you have atrial fibrillation, you should lose weight if you are obese and follow a low-fat diet to address any underlying heart conditions.
Beverages
An article published in May 2008 in the journal "Circulation" states that consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages may trigger atrial fibrillation and should be avoided by susceptible individuals. As such, if you are have this condition or are at risk of developing it, you should consider lessening or eliminating coffee and other caffeinated beverages as well as alcohol from your diet.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral essential for heart function. Poor potassium levels may result in irregular heartbeat and is also associated with high blood pressure. You may include potassium rich foods in your diet by eating bananas, salmon, cod, avocados, potatoes and citrus juices.
Sodium
A diet high in sodium may increase you need for potassium intake. It may also increase your risk of high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure or experience atrial fibrillation, you should avoid foods high in sodium including cured meats, canned soups, canned food, condiments, tomato sauce and prepackaged foods.
Interactions
If you are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the doctor may prescribe a blood thinner to avoid blood clot formation. Consuming vitamin K-rich food may decrease the effect of blood thinners. Foods rich in vitamin K include spinach, kale, collard greens, brussels sprouts, lettuce and broccoli. Try to limit your intake of these foods to ½ cup per day if you are taking a blood thinner.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Atrial Fibrillation
- "Circulation"; A Patient's Guide to Live with Atrial Fibrillation; Julie B. Shea, Samuel F. Sears; May 2008
- American Dietetic Association: Vitamin K and Medications
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- American Heart Association: Shaking the Salt Habit
