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Tips To Prevent Atrial Fibrillation

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Tips To Prevent Atrial Fibrillation

Cardiology | by Dr. Rakesh Sarkar | Published on 04/10/2021


The main function of the heart is to pump the blood which is possible with the proper contraction of the chambers of the heart. Normally, the resting heart rate of an adult lies in between 60-100 beats per minute.

 

Atrial fibrillation (also referred to as A-fib) is a commonly occurring abnormality in the heart rhythm. It is the condition wherein the heartbeats are rapid and irregular (i.e. fibrillating) because the upper left and right atrium of the heart experience chaotic electrical signals. It results in fast contraction of the upper two heart chambers because of the heartbeat often is above 300 beats per minute. This also makes the bottom two heart chambers beat irregularly and rapidly (i.e. falling in the range of 100 to 175 beats per minute).

 

Factors like old age, genetics, obesity, hypertension, and sleep apnea can result in atrial fibrillation.

 

Why Atrial fibrillation can’t be ignored or left untreated?

As the electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart become disorganized, it leads to shortness of breath, sudden chest discomfort, dizziness, or fatigue. If the patient does not pay attention to it, then with time it could lead to a further increase in the risk of having health complications. These could be a stroke, heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and premature death.

 

How to prevent or reverse atrial fibrillation?

It’s always worth preventing a particular health issue rather than looking for its cure. By avoiding coronary artery disease and hypertension, atrial fibrillation may not develop. Smoking is the most common cause of atrial fibrillation that shall be ceased. The best cardiologist in Kolkata suggests the following healthy heart tips that can work in preventing atrial fibrillation, these include:

 

Tip 1: Get enough physical activity: It is advised by all health experts or cardiologists that heart health can be maintained by daily having 20-30 minutes of physical activity. These include brisk walking, swimming, dancing, aerobics, and bicycling. By having an active lifestyle, people would be able to maintain their normal blood pressure and body weight. It has been seen that people who have sitting jobs or a sedentary lifestyle have the risk of any heart ailment which can reduce their life span.

 

Tip 2: Avoid intake of processed foods: This includes all the already prepared foods that are packaged, canned, or bottled like frozen pizza, salad dressing bottles, bakery products, and all the junk foods received from restaurants. These processed foods are packed with a lot of salts, sugars, and saturated fats which are unhealthy for the heart. They could cause hypertension and an increase in cholesterol levels that leads to obesity.

 

Tip 3: Focus on a heart-healthy diet: This includes all fresh plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and fish (rich in omega 3 fatty acids) or lean meats. Having this type of diet could prevent the excess intake of calories and maintenance of healthy body weight. In addition to heart health, this diet can prevent dementia and cancer and even prolong the life of the individual 

 

Tip 4: Keep a wellness mindset: There always has been a link between a heart ailment and the emotional well-being of the individual. Depression, stress, or anxiety, are all risk factors for heart disease and even atrial fibrillation. A wellness mind set can be maintained to some extent by physical activities. Some ways to manage stress and improve mental health as suggested by the heart doctors in Kolkata include:

 

Tip 5: Yoga and meditation: These can have a profound relaxation effect both on the mind and body, thereby improving the health of the cardiovascular system. The strength, flexibility, and balance of the body can be significantly improved by doing yoga daily.

 

Tip 6: Having a nature trip or moving out of home for some time: This can help relax the mind and provide inner peace. Maintain a personal diary to write grateful things that happen in daily life.

 

Tip 7: Having a good social life: People shall invest more in meaningful relationships in life. Talking or spending time with friends, family members, life partners, and even colleagues can help cope with the stress.

 

Tip 8: Carry out good deeds in life: People shall look for opportunities to help or serve others which automatically make them happy and improve their health.

 

Consult with the best heart doctor at best cardiac hospital in Kolkata, BM Birla Heart Research Centre to know more about atrial fibrillation and its treatment.