Atrial fibrillation is an irregular or quivering heartbeat that can lead to heart failure, blood clots, and other heart-related issues. The first treatment for atrial fibrillation includes medication or cardioversion to control the irregularity of the heartbeat. In case, it does not come under control, surgery is performed to remove that area of the heart tissue causing erratic electrical signals, to get the heart back to the normal rhythm.
1. What happens during atrial fibrillation?
Usually, the heart contracts and relaxes to a regular beat, but in this condition, the upper part of the heart beats irregularly to move the blood into the ventricles. This irregular pumping of blood could cause a clot to break off and enter the bloodstream and lodge in an artery going to the brain, which could result in a stroke. Thus, for this reason, people with the condition are put on blood thinners.
2. Ways to reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation episodes can come suddenly and be quite damaging. They can also be present continually, lasting a few hours, or a few days. Sometimes, the episodes might stop without requiring any action, but at other times some treatment for atrial fibrillation is a must. However, there are ways to reduce its chances of occurring, and these techniques are given below.
- Take slow deep breaths
The best treatment for atrial fibrillation is to learn to breathe slowly. If one feels an episode of atrial fibrillation coming on, it is best to breathe deeply. One should sit down and place one hand on the stomach and inhale deeply through the nose and let it go all the way into the stomach for about four seconds. Do this slowly to fill the lungs with air gradually. Hold this breath for a moment and then exhale it through the mouth, taking the same amount of time. - Aerobic activity
The American Heart Association suggests that every person should undertake at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week, which amounts to 21 minutes a day. Also, it is essential to move around throughout the day. It has been seen that sitting for more than three hours a day reduces the lifespan by two years. Even if one is experiencing a bout of atrial fibrillation, a low impact aerobic activity will reduce the symptoms. Yoga is another form of exercise that is suggested for people with the condition as it helps reduce high blood pressure and heart rate. - Healthy diet
If one follows a healthy diet, most diseases can be managed easily as the body’s immune system kicks in to protect one from its effects. Hence, one of the the ways to reduce the chances of getting atrial fibrillation is to consume a healthy diet comprising fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and proteins. One must avoid fried food, excessive sugars, refined and junk food as they cause obesity, cholesterol, diabetes, and other medical problems that can affect the heart.
It is essential to remember that the best treatment for atrial fibrillation is to maintain a good lifestyle and not put further pressure on the heart.