Targeting Lifestyle Factors Through Personalized Approach May Reduce AFib Risk
Atrial fibrillation, popularly known as AFib, is a widespread heart condition characterized by an unpredictable and often rapid heart rhythm. This irregular heartbeat increases the risk of stroke and various other heart-related complications. While genetics, sex, and age are non-modifiable risk factors for AFib, physical activity levels, obesity, smoking, and managing comorbid conditions are significant controllable factors.
Beyond common cardiovascular health factors like physical activity and a healthy diet, certain lifestyle choices can impact AFib risk. For instance, alcohol consumption should be kept in moderation, as excessive drinking can lead to the onset of "holiday heart syndrome," increasing the chances of AFib episodes. Prioritizing good sleep quality, losing extra weight, and avoiding habits like smoking are also crucial in managing AFib.
Chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity also contribute to the AFib risk. By addressing these health issues and maintaining optimal control over blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and weight, individuals may reduce the likelihood of experiencing AFib.
A review published in a reputable journal gathered data from previous studies on the role of various factors, including lifestyle choices, certain health conditions, and socioeconomic factors, that may influence AFib risk. Their findings underscored the necessity of multidisciplinary, personalized care to effectively manage AFib and reduce the risk of untimely death and the development of other health problems.
Dr. Stephen Tang, a cardiac electrophysiologist, explained to Medical News Today that managing AFib requires more than just oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention or rate or rhythm control with medication or ablation. This complex disease is driven by numerous risk factors and comorbidities. Effective management entails identifying and optimizing these risk factors to keep AFib under control long-term.
Regular exercise, such as 210 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per week, helps manage weight and decrease AFib symptoms. A heart-healthy diet low in salt, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol is recommended for overall cardiovascular health. Maintaining a healthy body mass index, ideally below 27, can also reduce AFib episodes. Poor sleep and untreated sleep apnea may boost AFib risk, so addressing these issues is essential.
- Excessive drinking can lead to the onset of "holiday heart syndrome," increasing the chances of AFib episodes, and it's important to keep alcohol consumption in moderation.
- In managing Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), prioritizing good sleep quality, losing extra weight, and avoiding habits like smoking are crucial.
- Chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity increase the risk of AFib, and optimal control over blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and weight can help reduce AFib.
- Certain lifestyle choices can impact AFib risk, with research showing the necessity of multidisciplinary, personalized care to effectively manage the disease and reduce the risk of complications.
- Dr. Stephen Tang, a cardiac electrophysiologist, emphasizes that managing AFib involves more than just medication or ablation; it also requires identifying and optimizing numerous risk factors and comorbidities.
- Regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet, with 210 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per week and a low intake of salt, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol, are essential for managing AFib and overall cardiovascular health.
- Maintaining a healthy body mass index, ideally below 27, can help reduce AFib episodes.
- Poor sleep and untreated sleep apnea may boost AFib risk, so addressing these issues is essential for managing mental health, chronic diseases like AFib, and overall health-and-wellness, as well as for maintaining personal-finance stability by avoiding complications from untimely death or the development of additional chronic diseases.
