Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia and its prevalence rate was estimated to be 2.7-6.1 million in 2010. This is expected to rise to 5.6-12 million by 2050.¹ Its prevalence increases with age and with the presence of cardiovascular disease. In the Framingham Heart Study, the lifetime risk of developing atrial fibrillation was 1 in 4 for men and women ages 40 and above.²

Some patients may not experience any symptoms, however, others may experience palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness, mild shortness of breath, increased urination, and anxiety. Many experience decreased exercise capacity. More severe symptoms include syncope, chest pain at rest, and worsening shortness of breath.

The most common causes are myocardial ischemia and infarction. Damage to the heart will cause dysfunction in how electricity travels through the heart muscle, leading to irregular contractions. Therefore, atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease share similar risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, low nutrient diet, and smoking. Other causes include valvular heart disease; cardiac surgeries; medications; abnormal electrolytes, such as low magnesium and potassium; chronic renal disease; lung disease; pulmonary embolism; deep venous thrombosis; sleep apnea; hyperthyroidism; and alcohol use.

Diet

• A whole food, high micronutrient-dense diet helps reduce inflammation and can restore circulation and ameliorate the symptoms of cardiovascular disease. It also provides important minerals and other nutrients. The key is prevention of atrial fibrillation because once developed it is not always reversible.
• Eat sufficient foods with omega-3 fatty acids, such as seeds (flax, chia, hemp), walnuts, and soybeans. Nuts and seeds have a beneficial effect on multiple cardiovascular risk factors and have been shown to lower the risk of arrhythmias and of sudden cardiac death.¹
• Avoid animal products or limit to a condiment or flavoring in only 1-2 ounce portions a few times a week.

Exercise

An exercise routine is essential in promoting cardiac health. Routines should be catered to the individual, as some patients may experience episodes of atrial fibrillation with aggressive exercise, so some limitations may be necessary.

Tobacco and alcohol cessation

Elimination of tobacco and alcohol in conjunction with a high nutrient diet will lower your risk of arrhythmias and can improve symptoms.

Medications

Though Coumadin or other blood thinners are typically prescribed to reduce the risk of a clot forming, a Nutritarian diet itself has anti-clotting effects and may offer adequate protection from clotting in lower risk patients without the risks of Coumadin. When taking Coumadin, green vegetable consumption may have to be regulated to lower levels that are maintained consistently to regulate the medication dose.