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Heart rhythm problems, known as arrhythmias, mean that your heart tends to beat irregularly, to go too fast or too slowly. Although it may be harmless, some arrhythmias are related to heart problems.
One in four adults over the age of 40 is at risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) – the most common type of irregular heartbeat. FA has been badociated with a high risk of stroke and other potential heart complications because it can cause clots that block blood flow.
So what can you do to manage risk factors? For starters, the American Heart Association recommends reducing high blood pressure and maintaining cholesterol levels.
While this concerns the evolution of the disease, a new study from the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) also examined the triggers for some AF episodes.
"A better understanding of triggers at the individual level can help patients to support themselves and is a new approach to improving the quality of life and reducing the use of health care for AF," said Gregory Marcus, cardiologist and deputy chief of cardiology looking at UCSF's division of cardiology. . "For people with a family history of AF, understanding gene-environment interactions may reveal new mechanisms and, ultimately, help advise patients on the best lifestyle interventions."
By examining patients with AF, researchers were able to identify stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine, affecting respectively 35% and 28% of patients. Poor sleep habits were reported as triggers by 21% of patients.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that exercise was one of the possible triggers – but that may raise questions because a heart-healthy lifestyle involves physical activity and a loss extra weight.
Although experts say the link is certainly complicated, most agree that patients with AF should exercise without pushing their body beyond their comfort zone. Ayman Hussein, a specialist in heart rhythm disorders at the Cleveland Clinic, said this applies especially to male patients.
Although light intensity or moderate intensity exercises may have a protective effect, he explained to Everyday Health that intense exercise could present a higher risk of AF in some cases. On the advice of a doctor, patients "need to gradually develop their strength and endurance," he advised.
Walking, yoga, swimming, cycling, tai chi, gardening are some of the low risk activities that can be practiced. Of course, this should accompany a healthy diet – such as the DASH diet or a Mediterranean-style diet – and the elimination of smoking habits.
Reducing your stress level is also important because anger and intense stress can lead to an abnormal heart rhythm, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. To do this, look for some tips to take advantage of humor or use self-care strategies.
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