Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder that affects roughly 2.2 million Americans, according to the American Heart Association. During a fibrillation, two small upper chambers in your heart quiver, rather than beat appropriately, increasing your risk for blood clots and stroke. Treatment may involve medications, electric shock therapy or surgery. A heart-healthy diet that limits certain foods can help manage your blood pressure levels and lower your risk for potentially serious complications.
Fried Fish
Fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout and halibut, provide omega-3 fatty acids -- essential fats that promote positive heart-health. In a study published in "Circulation" in 2004, researchers analyzed the fish intake and cardiovascular health of 4,815 adults over age 65 over the coarse of 12 years. While consumption of tuna or broiled or baked fish fish was linked with a 28 percent lower risk for arterial fibrillation, fried fish intake was not associated with a reduced risk. For potentially similar benefits, consume baked or broiled fish routinely and avoid fried varieties.
Salty Foods
A high-sodium diet can cause or worsen high blood pressure. Salt is the main source of sodium in Americans' diets. For improved heart-health, the AHA recommends limiting your sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day. Particularly salty foods include canned soups and vegetables, processed meats and cheeses, potato chips, tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels and prepared tomato sauce. To reduce the sodium content of your meals, season dishes with low-sodium salts, lemon juice or natural herbs, such as garlic and oregano.
Fatty Meats
Fatty meats, such as organ meats, beef, lamb, pork ribs, dark-meat poultry, sausage, bacon and pepperoni, are top sources of saturated fat -- a fat-form linked with an increased risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. The AHA recommends limiting saturated to less than 7 percent of your total daily calories, or 14 calories per day as part of a 2,000 calorie-per-day diet. Emphasize unsaturated fat sources, such as nuts, seeds, avocados and oily fish, instead. If you enjoy meat, choose the leanest available cuts, such as skinless white-meat poultry and extra-lean ground beef.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Hydrogenated vegetable oil is rich in unhealthy fats known as trans-fatty acids, or trans-fats. Trans-fats can increase your LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, reduce your HDL, or "good," cholesterol, and increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. The AHA recommends limiting trans-fats to less than 1 percent of your diet, or fewer than two calories within a 2,000 calorie-per-day diet. Common sources of hydrogenated vegetable oil include hard margarine, shortening, fast food and commercially prepared snack foods, such as pretzels, crackers, pastries, cookies, cakes and pies. Choose natural, whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which provide heart-healthy fiber and nutrients, more often.
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