I've been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Should I make changes to my diet?
Answer From Rekha Mankad, M.D.
Making healthy diet changes can help improve overall heart health. If you have atrial fibrillation (A-fib), a common heart rhythm disorder, you may need to avoid some foods or drinks, too.
Aim to eat a heart-healthy diet, including:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Low-fat or fat-free dairy products
- Proteins such as lean meats, nuts, seeds and beans
- Foods low in salt, added sugars, saturated fat and trans fat
If you have A-fib, it's also important to know which foods and drinks to avoid. For example, your care provider may recommend that you limit or avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause health issues in some people.
People with atrial fibrillation often take blood thinners to prevent blood clots. If you're taking a blood thinner called warfarin (Jantoven), your provider may tell you to limit leafy green vegetables. Such vegetables contain vitamin K. High levels of vitamin K can change the way warfarin works in the body. Talk to your health care providers about your specific diet and what's best for you.
Healthy lifestyle changes are an important part of treatment for atrial fibrillation. In addition to eating a healthy diet, your care provider will likely recommend:
- Quitting smoking
- Getting regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Controlling cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels
- Managing stress
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July 01, 2022
- Atrial fibrillation — Living with. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/atrial-fibrillation/living-with. Accessed June 7, 2022.
- Arrhythmias — Living with. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/arrhythmias/living-with. Accessed June 7, 2022.
- Spragg D. Epidemiology of and risk factors for atrial fibrillation. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 7, 2022.
- Hull RD, et al. Warfarin and other VKAs: Dosing and adverse effects. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 7, 2022.
- 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Accessed June 7, 2022.
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FAQs
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often very rapid heartbeat. Making healthy diet changes can help improve overall heart health. A heart healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also choose proteins such as lean meats, nuts, seeds and beans.
What should you not eat if you have atrial fibrillation? ›
Reduce your salt and sodium intake. Aim to limit your sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day. Avoid eating too much meat or full-fat dairy, which contains a lot of saturated animal fats. Aim for 50 percent produce at each meal to help nourish the body and provide fiber and satiety.
Are eggs bad for AFib? ›
Research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition shed some light on this question. Let's get right to it. The study showed that eating an egg a day did not change the risk for coronary heart disease. However, it was associated with a 12% reduction in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk.
What should I not do with atrial fibrillation? ›
Fewer AFib episodes will help prevent blood clots and lower your chance of a stroke and heart failure. Avoid triggers, such as too much caffeine (perhaps from an energy drink), excessive alcohol, a lot of stress, and not enough sleep. Keep your heart healthy. Take the medicines prescribed by your doctor as directed.
What should you not drink with atrial fibrillation? ›
You should avoid drinking alcohol if you have an abnormal heart rhythm. One study, performed in Australia, found that AFib patients who did not drink during a 6-month period had fewer AFib episodes. If you're taking blood thinners, alcohol can raise your risk of bleeding.
What is the number one trigger for AFib? ›
Some common triggers are: Stimulants: Caffeine, cigarettes, and other things that speed up your system can set off AFib. Caffeine will probably affect you more if you don't usually drink it. Alcohol: For some people, binge drinking is a trigger.
Are bananas bad for AFib? ›
Eat a Banana (or Anything Rich in Potassium)
Research shows that if your blood is low in potassium, you are at higher risk for AFib. To help prevent attacks, snack on bananas. The sweet treat is packed with potassium and other heart-healthy nutrients.
Can you eat salad with AFib? ›
People with atrial fibrillation usually take blood thinners to prevent blood clots. If you're taking a blood thinner called warfarin (Jantoven), your healthcare professional may tell you to limit leafy green vegetables. Such vegetables include spinach and kale.
Is cheese OK for AFib? ›
Tyramine: This amino acid is commonly found in aged cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, and gorgonzola, as well as pepperoni, salami, soybean, and snow peas. Tyramine can increase blood pressure and can trigger an AFib episode. Eliminating tyramine containing foods can improve the patient's condition.
Is drinking water good for atrial fibrillation? ›
Dehydration can exacerbate Afib risk by straining the heart and disrupting electrolyte balance. The recommended water intake differs for each person, but drinking eight glasses of water a day is a good start.
In a person with Afib, the heart beats quickly and irregularly. The atria don't fill with blood or pump it out properly. That can make the heart work harder, weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure. Some symptoms of heart failure are similar to Afib symptoms: weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath.
Are blueberries bad for atrial fibrillation? ›
Specific nutritious foods that are a great addition to your diet include: Fish rich in omega-3s such as salmon, sardines, herring, tuna and mackerel. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and other fresh fruits. Oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice and other whole grains.
What is the best exercise for atrial fibrillation? ›
Any exercise is good, but if you're not used to it or worried you'll make your AF worse, talk to your doctor or specialist. A brisk walk is suitable for almost everyone and getting out in the fresh air will make you feel better physically and mentally.
What supplements should not be taken with atrial fibrillation? ›
Fish oil supplements.
Research suggests high doses of omega-3 fatty acids could increase the risk of developing AFib. Fish oil is known to improve arthritis pain and keep your blood fat levels in check. But if you take more than 1 gram per day, you are more likely to get AFib.
What is the primary cause of atrial fibrillation? ›
Atrial fibrillation is most often caused by changes to the heart's tissue or the electrical signaling that helps the heartbeat.
Are bananas bad for atrial fibrillation? ›
Eat a Banana (or Anything Rich in Potassium)
Research shows that if your blood is low in potassium, you are at higher risk for AFib. To help prevent attacks, snack on bananas. The sweet treat is packed with potassium and other heart-healthy nutrients.
What food and drinks trigger AFib? ›
Certain foods, such as caffeine or alcohol, have the potential to trigger AFib. A diet that promotes heart health may help manage and reduce the symptoms of this condition. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of arrhythmia that affects the upper chambers of the heart.
Does ice cream trigger AFib? ›
Background: Episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may be precipitated by the rapid ingestion of ice-cold foods and beverages.
