WHAT IS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?

Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

HOW OBESITY CAN CAUSE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?

Among the most common health conditions that can develop as a result of being overweight is hypertension, or high blood pressure, which can also lead to atrial fibrillation. High blood pressure adds extra strain to the heart and can cause enlargement of the atria, or upper heart chambers. Consequently, the electrical patterns of the heart, which begin in the atria, can become stretched out and disordered, causing atrial fibrillation.

Sleep apnea, another condition that's more common in people who are overweight or obese, creates abrupt elevations in blood pressure and the pressure inside the chest. This can also stretch or enlarge the atria, increasing the risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

In addition, carrying around extra body fat may also result in inflammatory substances that can affect the heart’s normal function. One study found that obese people with atrial fibrillation had distinct changes in their heart rhythms because of the condition. And as long as they remained obese, the more likely they would continue to have an irregular heartbeat.

Obesity also increases the occurrence of diabetes, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure — all of which are additional factors contributing to atrial fibrillation.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WEIGHT LOSS FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?

The best health recommendation is to lose weight before atrial fibrillation develops. However, weight loss can still make a big difference after an AFib diagnosis.

In addition, individuals that maintain a healthy weight tend to have lower blood levels of inflammatory proteins, which have been linked to heart disease, as well as a reduced risk for developing sleep apnoea.

Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are not only critical for controlling obesity. They also have other well-known benefits, such as greatly improving overall quality of life, happiness, and well-being, in addition to preventing numerous diseases.

WHAT ARE THE TIPS FOR WEIGHT LOSS FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?

The key to losing weight is the same whether you have AFib or not. Put these tips to work for you:

Your doctor can help you find an exercise and weight loss plan that will work for you and that’s appropriate for your heart arrhythmia.
Find a well-balanced diet that appeals to you and that allows you to eat less, and then exercise to burn more calories.
Choose a weight loss diet that's heart-healthy. Diets with low-fat foods, lots of fruit and vegetables, and foods rich in vitamins — such as the Mediterranean diet — are the most effective and practical.
When you’re overweight and have AFib, you may become fatigued easily and have little tolerance for exercise. The key is to start slow to avoid becoming tired and discouraged. Build in small activities to burn extra calories. Adding small increments of activity to your day can help a great deal with managing your weight.

WHY KIMS?

Offering up-to-date technology and personalized care, KIMS, one of the best heart wellness clinics in Hyderabad, provides comprehensive services for the prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation of diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, lung disease, and obesity.

Upon entering the clinic, you will be greeted by the best heart wellness doctors in Hyderabad and the best heart wellness specialists in Kondapur. Our multi-disciplinary team are committed to helping you achieve weight loss, perfect heart rate and optimal health.

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