Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)

Reduce weakness and shortness of breath, episodes of AFib and stroke risk with a heart healthy diet

Recommended For

Atrial fibrillation.

Diet Goals

Reduce saturated fat, salt, sugar

  • Heart healthy diet; maintain healthy weight
  • Limit stimulants, can trigger bouts of AFib
  • Dietary precautions if on warfarin
This diet reduces symptoms and the risk factors for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) - as a bonus, it’s good for your heart, too.

Food Recommendations

Foods to Eat

Fruits, Vegetables: Berries, avocado, leafy greens, carrots
Beans, Legumes: Lentils, soy, black beans, peas, chickpeas
Nuts, Seeds: Chia seeds, flax, pepitas, almonds, walnuts
Low fat dairy: Skim, 1% milk, yogurt, cheeses, buttermilk
Fish 2 x week: Salmon, bass, cod, crab, scallops, shrimp
Poultry: Chicken, turkey, duck, goose

Foods to Avoid

Alcohol: Beer, wine, liquor, canned alcohol drinks
Vitamin K foods: Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach), liver
High sodium: Deli meat, soup, cheese, pizza, salty nuts & snacks
Saturated fats: Beef, lamb, pork, full fat dairy, butter, pastry, pie, biscuits
Processed foods: Fast or fried foods, packaged foods, frozen dinners, cakes
High sugar: Fruit yogurt, granola, energy bars; raisins, ketchup, pasta sauce

Diet Rules

Additional Information

Research

Studies show obesity, sleep apnea, high BP and diabetes are all risk factors for atrial fibrillation.
Some studies show that low carb diets are associated with higher risk of atrial fibrillation; high fat diet causes inflammation which is associated with Afib
Multiple studies have linked energy drink consumption with serious cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Caveats

In AFib, blood pools in the heart where clots can form; a stroke happens if a blood clot blocks blood flow in the brain
Diet high in saturated and trans fats associated with increased risk of AFib and other heart conditions.
Better blood sugar control improves both the severity and frequency of AFib symptoms.
Losing as little as 10% of body weight and exercising can reduce frequency and severity of AFib symptoms.

References

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What is Atrial Fibrillation? (2023). American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-is-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af
High Blood Pressure, Atrial Fibrillation and Your Risk of Stroke. (2023). American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/why-atrial-fibrillation-af-or-afib-matters/high-blood-pressure-afib-and-your-risk-of-stroke
Bordignon MD, S., Corti MD, M., MHS, & Bilato MD, C., PhD. (2012). Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Heart Failure, Stroke and Mortality. NIH, National Library of Medicine, Journal of Atrial Fibrillation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5153082/
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Illiades MD, C. (2014). 7 Nutrition Tips for Atrial Fibrillation. Healthgrades. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/atrial-fibrillation/7-nutrition-tips-for-atrial-fibrillation
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