78-year-old Ellen felt an odd flutter in her chest. She ignored it for a while, thinking it was nothing serious. At her regular doctor visit, she mentioned it in passing to her physician. It turns out, the fluttering feeling was much more serious than Ellen thought. She was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, a health condition that can lead to stroke.
A-fib occurs when the heart beats rapidly or out of rhythm. When it doesn’t go away on its own, treatment is required to prevent serious complications. In addition to medical treatment, doctors usually recommend lifestyle changes to improve heart health. New research shows that one of the recommended lifestyle changes, losing weight, may actually help reverse the condition.
A-Fib Research
Researchers in Australia recently published the results of a study in a journal called Europace. The study showed that people with A-fib who are overweight or obese can drastically improve their symptoms by losing just a small amount of weight.
Participants in the study who lost 10 percent of their body weight might be able to slow down or even reverse the progression of A-fib. In fact, they experienced fewer symptoms, needed less treatment, and had better outcomes. When people managed other lifestyle factors, they saw even more improvement.
Lifestyle Changes for Managing A-Fib
As part of A-fib treatment, your aging relative’s doctor may suggest that they make healthy changes to control symptoms. Some of the lifestyle changes they may recommend include:
-Healthy Eating: Eating a diet that is high in vegetables, fruit, lean protein, and whole grains can make the heart healthier. The diet should also be low in sodium and fat. Instead of using salt, season foods with spices and herbs.
-Avoid Caffeine: Caffeine can make the heart beat faster because it is a stimulant. A small amount of caffeine, like a single cup of coffee, probably won’t be a problem. But, higher amounts may be dangerous. Talk to your aging relative’s doctor about how much caffeine is safe for them.
-Exercise: Older adults should strive to be more physically active, getting at least some exercise every day. While structured exercise is great, any activity counts, so take a walk with your aging relative or spend some time digging in the garden.
-Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: If the older adult smokes, talk to the doctor about ways to help them quit. Also, limit alcoholic beverages to one drink per day.
Elder care can also help your family member to control A-fib.
Elder care providers can cook healthy, balanced meals. An elder care provider can also offer them beverages that don’t contain caffeine, like infused water or decaffeinated coffee. Elder care can also help seniors to be more active by driving them to exercise classes or to the gym, taking walks with them, or helping them to be active at home.
For more information about hiring a Home Care in American Fork, UT, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources
Mayoclinic.org/diagnosis-treatment
Healthline.com
Sciencedaily.com
Mayoclinic.org/symptoms-causes
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