Lifestyle Changes for Managing Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a very common heart condition which causes the heart to beat irregularly. Because of this irregular heartbeat, blood is not pushed around the body as efficiently, which can lead to further health issues and discomfort. Because of this, those diagnosed with the condition will need to make some positive changes to their lifestyle in order to best manage and control it. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, On top of adjusting your lifestyle, you should see a cardiologist like Dr Andrea Natale who’s experienced in the field you can help to ensure that the condition doesn’t get worse or lead to any more serious heart issues.

Exercising

When it comes to naturally treating atrial fibrillation, moderate exercise can be one of the best things for patients to do. Although formal treatments include a range of medications and other therapies, the changes that patients make to their lifestyle can often be the deciding factor as to whether the condition is going to be kept under control. As a rule of thumb, moderate exercise can be an excellent habit, as it will help to regulate daily biological rhythms and won’t raise the heart rate significantly. However, it’s important to get the all-clear from your doctor before beginning any exercise programs.

Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol can wreak havoc with your heart, so you’ll want to ensure that any alcohol and/or cigarette consumption is kept to a minimum. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking will be one of the best decisions that you can make for your health and can help you to improve the condition of your heart overall, reducing your risk of heart disease or failure in the future. On the other hand, patients do not have to completely quit drinking alcohol, although ensuring that any consumption is moderate and aiming to have at least two to three alcohol free days each week is essential.

Weight Loss

If you are overweight, working to shed some of the extra pounds will not only help you to feel better about yourself and improve your self-esteem, it can also help to keep heart problems at bay and make living with your condition a little easier. Obesity is closely linked to higher risks of developing atrial fibrillation, therefore changing your diet and exercising more in order to lose weight can be significant when it comes to managing and controlling the condition. However, it’s important to ensure that you consult with your doctor or another health professional before embarking on any weight loss programs. Patients may benefit from professionals such as dietitians and personal trainers who can help ensure that they are eating and exercising in a way that’s safe for their heart whilst still getting great results.

Finding out that you have atrial fibrillation can be a scary experience, however, by making the right lifestyle changes, it can be easier than you think to live with and successfully manage this condition.  The tips above should help, however we do recommend also speaking to your doctor for some personal guidance.