The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list atrial fibrillation — also called AFib — as the "most common type of treated heart arrhythmia." According to a review published in Circulation Research, it affects 3 to 6 million people in the United States alone. 

AFib is a form of heart disease that causes an irregular heart rhythm. When a person has AFib, the heart's two atria, or upper chambers, beat out of sync. This prevents blood from flowing as well as it should from the atria to the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. 

"During AFib, blood can pool in the atria," says Yehoshua Levine, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. "This is very dangerous because the pooled blood can clot and be pumped out of the heart to the brain, causing a stroke. Having AFib has been associated with a five-times-greater risk of having a stroke."

AFib — which often occurs in short episodes but can also be a permanent condition — causes about one out of every seven strokes, according to the CDC.

Researchers have performed numerous studies to determine what factors contribute to AFib risk. Although more research needs to be done to determine the full association between AFib and diet, several studies have found a link between the foods and drinks you consume and AFib risk. 

Known AFib Risk Factors

In general, AFib risk increases with age. But many other factors can contribute. If you have any of the following, you may be at increased risk:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes
• Enlarged chambers on the left side of the heart
• High blood pressure (this causes about one in five cases of AFib)
• Heart failure
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Obesity
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Additionally, if you smoke or frequently drink alcohol, you may also be increasing your risk for AFib. 

AFib and Diet

Although researchers are still uncovering the full connection between AFib and diet risk, experts agree that maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle can help. 

"Being overweight and having high blood pressure are risk factors for not only AFib but also other types of heart disease," Dr. Levine says. "So it just makes sense that doing things to improve weight loss or maintain a healthy weight, including eating a healthy diet, can only help when it comes to preventing and managing AFib."

Some studies have found that the Mediterranean diet can help reduce AFib risk. This plant-based diet includes moderate amounts of fish and poultry while avoiding processed foods and red meats. 

In general, the Mediterranean diet is composed of:

• Bread and other whole grains
• Eggs (in low to moderate amounts)
• Fish and poultry (in low to moderate amounts)
• Lots of fruits and veggies
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy products (in low to moderate amounts)
• Nuts and seeds
• Olive oil as a primary source of fat
• Potatoes

Additionally, the American Heart Association recommends avoiding:

• Fatty or processed meats
• Foods high in sodium or saturated fats
• Refined carbohydrates (or highly processed grains like white rice and white bread)
• Sugary drinks and other added sugars

These healthy eating habits are good for everyone, but for people with AFib, making good choices can help reduce the risk of AFib episodes as well. Some studies show that foods like olive oil, nuts, fruits and veggies decrease AFib risk thanks to the natural antioxidants they contain.

How Alcohol and Caffeine Affect AFib

What you eat is not the only thing that can affect your AFib risk. What you drink has an impact as well. For instance, many studies have revealed a direct correlation between drinking alcohol and AFib risk — the more you drink on a daily basis, the more likely you are to develop AFib. One study found that even one drink per day, such as a glass of wine, a beer or another alcoholic beverage, was connected to a 16% higher risk of developing AFib. 

For people who have already been diagnosed, drinking alcohol can trigger an AFib episode. Researchers in one study found that having a single drink doubled the chances of a bout with AFib happening in the next four hours.

The link between caffeine and AFib is less clear. While experts agree that energy drinks containing high levels of caffeine should be avoided, some studies have found that moderate levels of caffeine can help protect against the development of heart rhythm problems. But if you have been diagnosed with AFib, a good rule of thumb is to consume no more than 300 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is about three 8-ounce cups of coffee.

Other Ways to Lower Your AFib Risk

Whether you've been diagnosed with AFib or are trying to reduce your risk, there are things you can do to help keep your heart healthy. 

In addition to following a healthy diet and limiting caffeine and alcohol:

Get Regular Exercise

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of "moderate-intensity aerobic activity" per week.

Follow Doctor's Advice to Lower Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor's guidance on how to lower it. This might be by taking medication, lifestyle changes or both.

Don't Smoke

Studies have linked smoking to AFib, with one showing a 36% decrease in risk for people who quit.

Treatment Options

If you've been diagnosed with AFib, it's important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options. These may include:

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe drugs to control your heart rate and rhythm, as well as blood thinners to prevent blood clots and reduce your stroke risk.

Surgery

Surgical options include a minimally invasive procedure called an ablation, in which the surgeon uses a catheter to scar the problematic areas of heart tissue and prevent abnormal rhythms. 

Other surgical procedures include open-heart maze surgery, in which the surgeon scars the tissue by creating small cuts in the upper part of the heart. 

Need More Information About AFib?

Learn more about AFib and the treatments that are available at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. We can also connect you with an expert cardiologist who specializes in this condition and can determine your risk level if you haven't yet been diagnosed.

Take a Heart Health Risk Assessment

Learn more about your current heart health and associated health risks by taking a health risk assessment. Our online assessment is quick, easy and confidential, and it can provide you with information that you can share with your doctor.