Living healthy with atrial fibrillation

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Ngo Dac Thanh Huy - Cardiologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital. The doctor has experience and strengths in the field of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, echocardiography, coronary angiography and intervention.
Atrial fibrillation is one of the cardiovascular diseases that can lead to heart failure and stroke. Patients need to have a healthy lifestyle, control diabetes, blood pressure... to live a healthy life with this disease.

1. What is atrial fibrillation?

Normally, the heart will beat about 60-90 times a minute at rest, and will beat faster during strenuous activity.
If the process of forming and propagating electrical impulses of the heart is abnormal, it will disturb cardiac contractility. If the impulse does not originate from the sinus node, but from many different locations in the atrial chamber, the atrial muscle will be continuously stimulated, operating in a state of vibration, no longer synchronized and rhythmic as usual. . This condition is called atrial fibrillation.

2. What to do if you have atrial fibrillation?

To live a healthy life with atrial fibrillation, to avoid dangerous and life-threatening complications, the patient should pay attention to the following issues:
2.1 Beware of all warning signs of atrial fibrillation Some In this case, atrial fibrillation does not affect health. But nearly 45% of strokes are caused by atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation also carries a very high risk of heart failure.
Patients should note all signs of atrial fibrillation such as fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain... especially those with heart disease. Do not be subjective with any symptoms. If you find something unusual in your body, you should go to the hospital to have it checked as soon as possible.
2.2 Controlling diabetes and blood pressure Diabetes and high blood pressure are causes of increased risk of stroke. People with atrial fibrillation who have diabetes and high blood pressure are five times more likely to have a stroke. Therefore, to live a healthy life with atrial fibrillation and limit the danger of the disease, patients need to control diabetes and blood pressure.
Pay attention to building a low-sugar, low-salt diet, control blood sugar, weight, and have regular health checkups to clearly grasp the body's condition.
2.3 Heart-healthy diet Patients should have a healthy heart-healthy diet with the following principles:
Limit refined sugars; Limit trans fats, fast foods, foods high in fat, fat... Increase green vegetables, fruits; Fortified with soy, whole grains; Enhance heart-healthy fats such as: soybeans, salmon (rich in omega 3), beef...

2.4 Don't smoke Studies have shown that smoking can increase your risk of developing atrial fibrillation and stroke. Therefore, the patient should absolutely not smoke.
2.5 Limit alcohol and stimulants One glass of wine a day is good for people with atrial fibrillation. But drinking a lot of alcohol can increase arrhythmias not only in sick people but also in normal healthy people. Patients with atrial fibrillation should limit alcohol and stimulants.
2.6 Limit coffee Coffee can cause high blood pressure, which is very dangerous for atrial fibrillation. Patients should use coffee in moderation, avoid drinking too much.
2.7 Regular physical activity Proper exercise not only reduces the risk of complications from cardiovascular diseases, but also helps keep the heart healthy. Patients should exercise gently in accordance with their physical condition and pathology. It is advisable to start slowly, increasing the duration and intensity of the exercise gradually. Do not over-exercise as this can make atrial fibrillation worse. Experts recommend that people with heart disease should walk at least 30 minutes a day.
2.8 Keep the body from flu, pneumonia Many studies show that flu and pneumonia can increase the risk of heart attack. Therefore, people with atrial fibrillation should take the initiative to protect their health, prevent flu and pneumonia, especially at times of seasonal change.
2.9 Reduce stress Stress can cause heart palpitations and arrhythmias. Patients should avoid stress, need to balance work and life. You can try yoga for mental control.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.