Making sure you don't have to experience Afib again after an episode may be your top priority.The racing heart, weakness, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur with Afib can be frightening.There are a number of things you can do to reduce your chance of experiencing another episode.Making lifestyle changes such as exercising, modifying your diet, and limiting your intake of alcohol can make a big difference.If you continue to have Afib episodes, you may still need medication, treatment for an underlying condition, or a more intensive treatment option.Follow your doctor's instructions to increase your chances of preventing Afib from returning.
Step 1: It is possible to exercise.
One of the best ways to strengthen your heart and prevent Afib is to get a moderate amount of physical activity.To ensure that you are healthy enough for exercise, talk to your doctor about what types of exercises might be best for you.If your doctor gives you the green light to exercise, you can start by walking, swimming, or riding a bicycle on flat terrain.It's okay if you can only do 30 minutes of exercise at a time.Try to get 30 minutes of exercise by doing three 10 minute sessions.Whatever form of exercise you choose, make sure you enjoy it.This will increase the chances that you will stick with it.
Step 2: A heart-healthy diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
In moderation, eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.High-fat, high-cholesterol, salty, and processed foods can make Afib worse.If you're taking a blood thinner like Warfarin or Coumadin, you should always talk to your doctor.Your doctor can advise you on what you need to avoid or adjust, as certain foods may affect how your medication works.Afib may be prevented by following a heart-healthy diet.It can help you to reduce your weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Step 3: It's a good idea to limit your intake of caffeine to prevent an increase in heart rate.
If you want to avoid an increased heart rate, try not to drink more than 2 cups of coffee a day.If you find that it brings on Afib episodes, then you may want to avoid it completely.Cola, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate have caffeine.If you consume more than you should, you will increase your heart rate.
Step 4: If you want to stop drinking, reduce your alcohol intake to a moderate level.
Don't have more than 4-5 drinks in a 2 hour period because binge- drinking can bring on an episode of Afib.If you do drink, limit your alcohol consumption to no more than 1 drink per day if you are a woman and 2 drinks a day for a man.Daily drinking increases the risk for Afib, so you may want to avoid it.Beer, wine, and spirits can all be defined as one drink.If you can't control how much you drink, talk to your doctor.It is possible to make it easier to quit with the help of medications, therapies, and support groups.
Step 5: Stimulants can be found in cough and cold medications.
It's best to avoid these medicines because they can bring on an episode of Afib in some people.When you have a cold or cough, ask your doctor if it's safe for you to take your medication, and read the labels carefully to make sure you don't buy a product that contains stimulants.Do not use cough and cold medications labeled as "non-drowsy" or "daytime" as they are likely to contain stimulants.If you are unsure if a cough or cold medication contains stimulants, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Step 6: You can quit smoking.
Smoking increases your risk of many health conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, and cancer.If you want to quit smoking, you have to tell your friends and family, talk to your doctor, and choose a quit date.There are prescription medications, nicotine replacement products, and cognitive behavioral options that may help you to quit.
Step 7: Lose weight.
It is important to get to a healthy weight if you are overweight or obese.If you want to lose weight, you need to talk to your doctor about what a healthy weight is for you.Discuss weight loss options such as counting calories or following a special diet.Exercise alone does not usually promote weight loss.The best way to lose weight is to decrease your overall intake of calories and move more.
Step 8: It's possible to manage stress.
Try to meditate for 15 minutes when you wake up, do yoga in the afternoon, or listen to soothing music before you go to sleep.All of these activities can help you relax.Learning how to relax yourself may help you reduce your risk of Afib.Going for a walk in nature, engaging in a hobby, spending time with friends, and taking a bubble bath are some of the things you can do to relax.Make it part of your daily routine by finding what relaxes you.
Step 9: You can track your heart rate and blood pressure at home.
If you have high blood pressure, it's important to monitor it in between doctor visits.You should check your numbers at least once a week.If you consistently get a high blood pressure reading or pulse, talk to your doctor.As part of your afib recovery plan, you need to treat high blood pressure.You can buy a blood pressure kit at a store, but they don't have a machine that you can use.
Step 10: If you have an underlying condition that may cause Afib, seek treatment.
If you haven't already, make an appointment with a doctor to find out about treatment options for Afib.If they have resolved your symptoms, tell them about them.If you suspect you have another health condition, you should see your doctor for treatment.There are some conditions that may cause Afib.
Step 11: Take your prescriptions according to your doctor.
Your doctor will most likely discuss medication therapy with you after an episode of Afib.Take the medication as instructed by your doctor.Discuss the possible side effects of the medication with your doctor.Anti-arrhythmics and blood thinners are commonly prescribed for Afib.
Step 12: If you feel lightheaded or have low blood pressure, tell your doctor.
Low blood pressure and bradycardia can be caused by the medications you're taking.It can cause dizziness, confusion, weakness, headaches, nausea, and blurry vision.If you experience these symptoms or your blood pressure is low, talk to your doctor.If your blood pressure gets low, they may adjust your medications.If your doctor tells you to stop taking your medication, don't.
Step 13: If you want your heart rate to be normal, ask your doctor about cardioversion.
This treatment involves delivering a small electrical shock to your heart using paddles or patches, which will temporarily stop the electrical activity and give it a chance to reset itself.This can help to stop Afib.It is used with anti-arrhythmic medications.The doctor will give you a sedative so that you won't feel the electrical shock.It is possible that you will need to take a blood thinner prior to the procedure.
Step 14: Discuss surgical options for Afib that do not improve.
If you continue to have Afib episodes, your doctor may recommend a more intensive treatment option, such as having a pacemaker implanted or having surgery.Make sure to discuss the risks and benefits of each option with your doctor before making a decision, as these treatments carry additional risks.Your doctor may want to discuss some treatment options with you.