I've been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Should I make changes to my diet?

Answer From Rekha Mankad, M.D.

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. Reduce sugar, salt and saturated fats.

If you have AFib, you also may need to avoid some specific foods or drinks. For example, your healthcare professional may suggest that you limit or avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause health issues in some people.

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. They contain vitamin K. High levels of vitamin K can change the way warfarin works in the body. Talk to your healthcare team 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 nutritious foods, your care team will likely recommend the following changes to improve your heart health:

  • Do not smoke or use tobacco.
  • Get regular exercise.
  • Stay at a healthy weight.
  • Control cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
  • Manage stress.
  • Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily.

It's also important to have regular health checkups. Tell your healthcare team if your AFib symptoms get worse.

With

Rekha Mankad, M.D.

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May 15, 2024 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Ablation therapy
  2. Atrial fibrillation
  3. Atrial fibrillation ablation
  4. Atrial fibrillation and managing stress
  5. AV node ablation
  6. Robot-assisted minimally invasive mitral valve repair at Mayo Clinic
  7. Cardiac ablation
  8. Caregiving for someone with atrial fibrillation
  9. Does atrial fibrillation run in families?
  10. Does older age increase the risk of atrial fibrillation?
  11. Echocardiogram
  12. Ejection fraction: What does it measure?
  13. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
  14. EP study
  15. Heart palpitations
  16. Heart Rhythm Conditions
  17. Holter monitor
  18. Mayo Clinic Minute: Identifying and treating atrial fibrillation
  19. Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  20. Maze procedure
  21. Minimally invasive heart surgery
  22. Planning to travel with atrial fibrillation?
  23. Pregnancy and atrial fibrillation
  24. Pulmonary vein isolation
  25. Shortness of breath
  26. X-ray