Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a medical condition that occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly instead of rhythmically. This condition can cause blood clots to form in the heart, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Aside from a heart defect, AFib can be caused by a heart attack, high blood pressure, and previous heart surgery. Additionally, AFib can occur as a side effect of taking certain medications or drugs, such as Ibrutinib.
Several medications are used to manage this condition, namely prescription beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. In addition to medication, doctors will often recommend dietary changes. Here are some foods to avoid if you’re diagnosed with AFib:

1. Salty foods
Consuming salty foods increases sodium levels in the body, which in turn increases blood volume. Too much blood in the body makes it hard for the heart to pump blood and could worsen AFib symptoms. To maintain healthy sodium levels, it’s best to avoid processed and salty items such as fried foods and salty snacks.

2. Gluten
Patients with gluten allergies and AFib are encouraged to stick to a gluten-free diet, since studies show that these individuals are at increased risk of excess inflammation. This added inflammation can impact the vagus nerve and the heart, resulting in significantly worse AFib symptoms. Patients with AFib are encouraged to have emergency AED onhand, such as the Philips Heartstart onsite, in case of an emergency ventricular fibrillation or a ventricular tachycardia episode.

3. Asparagus
Asparagus contains high levels of vitamin K and nutrients that contribute to blood clotting. People with AFib who are taking anticoagulant medication should avoid vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli, since all of these can aid blood clotting.

4. Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains certain compounds that alter the concentration of AFib medications in your bloodstream. For example, eating grapefruit while on arrhythmia medication could significantly interfere with how the medication works to stabilize your heart’s rhythm. It’s best to ask your doctor if you should avoid grapefruit based on your AFib medications.

5. Alcohol
Many patients with AFib are advised against consuming alcohol, since this may act as a trigger for AFib symptoms. Aside from being a trigger for worsening symptoms, alcoholic beverages can also interact with AFib medications, altering how your body responds to the drugs. Please consult with your doctor about whether it’s safe to drink alcohol, or how many drinks maximum you should consume per week.

6. Caffeine
Many doctors will encourage patients with AFib to avoid or reduce their intake of caffeine, as some medical professionals believe that caffeine raises the risk for abnormal heart rhythms. Keep in mind that coffee and tea are not the only sources of caffeine in North American diets. Soda, chocolate, and energy drinks can also contain high levels of caffeine.  Please read the labels on foods and beverages to make sure they have no caffeine before consuming.

7. Cranberry juice
Cranberry juice should not be part of your diet if you’re an AFib patient, especially if you’re taking anticoagulant medications such as Warfarin. Studies show that cranberry juice, similar to grapefruit juice, may increase the amount of Warfarin circulating in your system and put you at risk for bleeding. Also keep in mind that most fruit juices increase blood sugar levels, so it’s best to eat whole fruits instead of juice.

There are several factors that can contribute to AFib development and worsening symptoms, including lifestyle choices, diet, and medications (i.e., side effects of Ibrutinib include atrial fibrillation). If you have been diagnosed with AFib, please work closely with your doctor to develop a safe eating regimen, exercise plan, and medication schedule that improves your quality of life.