Atrial Fibrillation (AF or AFib for short) is a condition that occurs when the heart’s SA node goes into a fit of irregular convulsions. The SA node is normally responsible for regulating the pace at which your heart beats, so these convulsions cause your heart to beat irregularly, too fast, or too slow.
But what causes the SA node to beat irregularly in the first place? Sometimes it is a congenital heart defect (such as abnormal cardiovascular valves), but one of the most common causes of Atrial Fibrillation is high blood pressure. Here are some practical tips on how to keep your blood pressure at a reasonable level.
- Reduce the amount of sodium (salt) you ingest. Salad dressings, soy sauce, cured meats, cheeses, and pickled foods will often have high levels of sodium. Specialists at Mayo Clinic suggest limiting your sodium intake to 2,300mg per day if you are under 51 or 1,500mg per day if you are over 51.
- Exercise regularly. Even if it is only for 15 to 30 minutes per day, the consistent strengthening of your heart will help lower your blood pressure, and lower your risk of AF.
- Watch what you eat. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy can all help lower your blood pressure.
- Drink tea more and alcohol less. A little alcohol can be good, but tea is a far healthier choice for your blood pressure.
- Indulge in dark chocolate (this one is the most fun!). Half an ounce daily of at least 70% cocoa will increase the elasticity of your blood vessels.
Although cardiac specialists have found other causes for Atrial Fibrillation, such as an overactive thyroid gland, stress due to pneumonia, or exposure to stimulates like caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol, high blood pressure is still considered the leading cause of AFib. So be sure to take precautionary steps to help keep your blood pressure at a healthy level and strengthen your heart.
If your primary care doctor recommends seeing a heart specialist about your atrial fibrillation, contact us today. Dr. Dilip Mathew is the premier cardiac specialist in the Sarasota and Venice area, specializing in ablation therapies for AF.
