Afib Low Carb Diet

Afib Low Carb Diet

AFib Symptoms and Treatment

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2017 there are an estimated 2.7-6.1 million people in the United States living with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). This is the most common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and has a wide range of symptoms and treatment options. Here we will look at what causes this irregular heartbeat, what symptoms we need to be on the lookout for and how to control AFib naturally. If not watched carefully, this condition can result in heart-related complications such as stroke and/or heart failure.

What is AFib?

A normal heart rate falls between 60-100 beats per minute. When AFib occurs, the heart rate increases to 100-175 beats per minute. This is caused by abnormal firing of electrical signals which cause the two upper chambers of the heart (atria) to quiver and beat out of sync with the lower two heart chambers (ventricles). While this medical condition in and of itself is not life-threatening, your doctor may still want to seek the best treatment for AFib if or when it does become a much more serious issue.

What Are the Symptoms?

With AFib, fatigue and shortness of breath, overall weakness, heart palpitations, a racing sensation, confusion, sweating, chest pain, dizziness and lightheadedness often go hand-in-hand. Some people may be completely unaware and show no signs of these symptoms until their doctor notices them during a physical examination. If you want to take care of your body, it is extremely important to pay attention to your heart and recognize any AFib symptoms that might be occurring.

What Causes AFib?

The causes of AFib often come from abnormalities or some sort of damage to the structure of the heart. The causes could be high blood pressure (hypertension), heart attacks, coronary artery disease, abnormal heart valves, congenital heart defects, lung disease, viral infections or even sleep apnea. Those that are over the age of 50, are Caucasian and male are more likely to be affected. Obesity and family history can also play important factors.

What are the Triggers and How Often Does it Occur?

Some who suffer from this medical condition may experience it at different levels. Paroxysmal fibrillation is when the arrhythmia lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours and eventually stops naturally within seven days of starting. This may only occur a few times a year. Persistent AFib is when the rhythm won't naturally go back to normal after seven days and some form of medical intervention is required. Long-standing AFib is when the arrhythmia lasts over 12 months and permanent AFib is when both the patient and doctor decide that the regular heart rhythm can't be restored and don't attempt to restore it.

There are potential AFib triggers though that should be paid attention to. Alcohol, especially binge drinking not only can increase the heart-rate and result in AFib, but it also dehydrates the body which can also lead to AFib. Fatigue, illness, sleep deprivation, physical stress, strong emotions and recent surgery can all contribute to triggering AFib.

What About a Heart Ablation?

While AFib can't be cured, there is a type of cardiac ablation procedure for AFib that can be done. Essentially it destroys the tissue in the heart in order to disrupt the faulty electrical signals that are causing the irregular heartbeats. As with any surgery, AFib ablations surgery has risks such as potential damage to the blood vessels or heart valves, as well as infection or puncture to the heart. If the surgery sounds too risky, doctors may often recommend medication to either slow or control the heart rhythm. If you are looking for ways on how to stop AFib from occurring at home, there is no clear answer. To help prevent the possibility of it occurring, try and incorporate a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight into your lifestyle through a balance of exercise and nutrition with a limited intake of tobacco and alcohol.

Afib Low Carb Diet

Source: https://www.life123.com/article/afib-symptoms-and-treatment?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740009%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex

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