Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, rapid heartbeat that prevents your heart from pumping adequate amounts of blood to your body. According to the American Heart Association, 2.2 million Americans have this heart disorder. Because atrial fibrillation increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, those with atrial fibrillation may benefit from a heart-healthy diet.
Sodium Restriction
Because high blood pressure can cause atrial fibrillation, reducing your sodium intake is an important aspect of medical nutrition therapy for the heart disorder. Those with atrial fibrillation should reduce sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day. Avoiding processed, packaged and canned foods can help to reduce the amount of sodium in your diet significantly. Using sodium-free spices and fresh herbs during cooking in place of salt can also reduce your total sodium intake. Whenever possible, eat fresh, whole foods and prepare meals at home rather than eating at restaurants.
The Right Fats
Unsaturated fats and trans fats increase the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream. If you have atrial fibrillation as well as high cholesterol, your risk of heart disease significantly increases. Avoid whole milk, full-fat cheeses, fatty cuts of meat and processed foods. Instead, choose foods with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These types of fats can actually lower your blood cholesterol and keep your heart healthy. Choose olive oil, canola oil, nuts, seeds and avocado as fat sources. Reducing your cholesterol intake is also important. Aim for no more than 300 mg of dietary cholesterol per day. Rich sources of cholesterol include red meats, egg yolks and shellfish.
Increase Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain various vitamins and minerals as well as phytochemicals, which help keep your heart healthy. Aim for two to three servings each of fruits and vegetables per day. Choose a variety of different colors of fruits and vegetables, as each colored fruit or vegetable offers different types of nutrients. Choose fresh or frozen fruits over dried or canned whenever possible.
Whole Grains
Whole grain products contain B vitamins, which contribute to heart health, as well as fiber, which can help lower your blood cholesterol. Incorporate whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread, high-fiber cereal, brown rice, flaxseed and wheat pasta into your diet. Avoid refined grains, such as white bread, white rice and white pasta. These types of grains can raise your triglyceride levels, which can be detrimental to the health of your heart.
