UNDERSTANDING HOW THE HEART WORKS
The heart is the hardest working muscle in the body. The average heart beats 100,000 times a day, day and night, to supply oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Blood pumped by the heart also shuttles waste products such as carbon dioxide to the lungs so it can be eliminated from the body. Proper heart function is essential to support life.
WHAT IS HEART DISEASE?
Coronary artery disease (CAD), commonly known as heart disease, is a condition in which cholesterol, calcium, and other fats accumulate in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This material hardens forming a plaque that blocks blood flow to the heart. When a coronary artery narrows due to plaque buildup or some other cause, the heart muscle is starved for oxygen and a person experiences chest pain known as angina.
THE LINK BETWEEN HEART DISEASE AND HEART ATTACK
Sometimes a piece of a fatty plaque in a coronary artery breaks off or ruptures. When this happens, a blood clot forms in the area in response to the injury. The clot may block the flow of blood through the artery, causing a heart attack. Sadly, some heart attacks lead to the heart stopping completely, a situation known as sudden cardiac arrest. The heart may also start to beat in a very dangerous rhythm called ventricular tachycardia, which is potentially fatal.
HEART DISEASE: THE NUMBER-ONE KILLER
Heart disease is the leading killer in the United States and affects an estimated 14 million adults. Heart disease is responsible for more deaths in the U.S. than the 2nd through 7th leading causes of death combined.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE?
Certain risk factors increase the chances of developing heart disease. More common heart disease risk factors include:
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Heart disease in a close blood relative
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
WHAT ARE LIFESTYLE RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE?
Certain lifestyle factors and choices increase the risk of heart disease including:
- Eating a diet high in fat
- Being "type A" (impatient, aggressive, and/or competitive)
- Being physically inactive
- Experiencing emotional distress or being "stressed out"
SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH - A FATAL CONSEQUENCE OF HEART DISEASE
Heart disease symptoms differ from person to person. Those who experience chest pain or shortness of breath have a chance to receive life-saving treatment in a hospital. For others, unfortunately, sudden cardiac arrest and death are the first symptoms of heart disease they experience.
WHAT ARE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HEART DISEASE?
Many people with heart disease notice symptoms during physical exertion or exercise. The heart needs more oxygen and nutrients during physical exertion, so people with heart disease may notice symptoms when they are active. Symptoms of heart disease may include:
- Jaw pain
- Chest pain
- Back pain (typically left-sided)
- Shortness of breath
WHAT ARE OTHER SYMPTOMS OF HEART DISEASE?
Symptoms of heart disease may also include:
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness, dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Weakness (especially at rest)
WHAT ARE THE HEART DISEASE SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN, SENIORS, AND PEOPLE WITH DIABETES?
Certain groups of people with heart disease experience atypical symptoms. Many women, people with diabetes, and elderly individuals do not experience pain as a symptom of heart disease. People in those groups are more likely to report fatigue or a general feeling of malaise as a symptom of heart disease.
WHAT IS AN ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (EKG)?
Electricity flows through heart cells to stimulate contraction of the heart muscle. People who have heart disease have hearts that do not conduct electricity normally. An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a quick, painless, noninvasive test that assesses the electrical behavior of the heart. An EKG is able to detect many heart conditions including:
- Current heart attack
- Past history of heart attack
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Blood electrolyte abnormalities
- Unstable angina
- Congenital heart defects
- Conditions involving cardiac inflammation (pericarditis and myocarditis)
WHAT IS A STRESS TEST?
Symptoms of heart disease are often present during physical exertion, because the heart is stressed and doesn't receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients. A stress test observes the behavior of the heart while the patient is walking or running on a treadmill. The patient is hooked up to an EKG machine to detect the heart's activity before, during, and after the stress test. The test is 60% to 70% accurate in detecting blocked coronary arteries. Sometimes, a patient may be too weak or deconditioned to perform a stress test. In that case, the doctor can administer medications that simulate the heart activity during exercise. The patient remains stationary. The doctor may also use nuclear imaging or ultrasound to visualize the behavior of the heart.
WHAT IS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY?
An echocardiogram is an image of the heart that is created with sound waves. This test can detect heart disease and observe the function of the heart. A normal, healthy heart pumps 50% to 60% of the blood with each heartbeat into the body. A weaker heart will pump less blood with each heartbeat. This is detectable with an echocardiogram and may be a sign of heart disease.
WHY USE COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY TESTS (CT SCANS)?
A cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan is a test that uses X-rays to obtain detailed images of cardiac blood vessels. The test can detect narrowing of blood vessels and is useful in showing the absence of heart disease.
WHAT MAKES CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY A SUPERIOR TEST COMPARED TO THE OTHERS?
A coronary angiogram is a test that provides sophisticated X-ray images of the heart. During the test, doctors advance a catheter into the heart after it is inserted into a vein in the groin. A substance called contrast is injected into the coronary arteries so that they can be imaged with X-rays. These X-ray images show the location and severity of blockages in coronary arteries.
THERE IS NO SINGLE TREATMENT METHOD FOR HEART DISEASE
Heart disease treatment differs from person to person. There is no such thing as one uniform treatment that works for everyone who has heart disease. Most heart disease patients are treated with a combination of diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes in addition to medication.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MEDICATIONS USED TO TREAT HEART DISEASE?
A variety of medications may be used to treat heart disease. Medication options include:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors decrease strain on the heart by opening blood vessels.
- Beta blockers reduce strain on the heart by decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) increase the efficiency of the heart and decrease heart rate.
- Nitroglycerin opens arteries in the heart allowing for increased blood flow.
- Statins alter blood lipids (fats in the blood that make up cholesterol) and decrease the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROCEDURES PERFORMED TO TREAT HEART DISEASE?
In addition to lifestyle changes and medications, several procedures may be used to treat heart disease including:
- Coronary (balloon) angioplasty is a procedure in which a balloon-tipped catheter is advanced to the site of the blockage and expanded to open the clogged artery. This procedure improves blood flow.
- A stent is a small metallic tube that is placed during coronary balloon angioplasty to keep a newly-opened coronary artery open.
THE KEY TO PREVENTING HEART DISEASE IS THROUGH A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, STARTING WITH A HEALTHY DIET.
Some heart disease risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be controlled. However, many other heart disease risk factors can be modified. Eating heart-healthy foods can reduce the risk of heart disease. Heart-healthy foods include fruits, and vegetables. Cholesterol-lowering foods such as beans, soy, chickpeas, garlic, avocados, and olive oil are beneficial. Boost levels of HDL "good" cholesterol by eating nuts. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are good choices, but limit your serving to a small handful as nuts are high in calories. It's a good idea to eat fish and seafood a few times a week to boost intake of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid sugary foods as they promote heart disease and other chronic conditions.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES: USING ALCOHOL IN MODERATION AND QUITTING SMOKING
Controlling your alcohol intake and avoiding smoking are two easy ways to reduce the risk of heart disease. To optimize levels of HDL "good" cholesterol, women should have no more than one alcoholic drink per day while men should have no more than two alcoholic drinks per day. A person who smokes and then quits reduces his or her risk of heart disease to the level of that of a nonsmoker 3 years after quitting.
LOWER THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE WITH EXERCISE, ASPIRIN, AND BY CONTROLLING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND DIABETES.
A few simple measures can help reduce heart disease risk. Speak with your doctor before implementing these measures to make sure they are safe for you.
- Daily low-dose aspirin therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 to 5 days a week to optimize blood lipids (lowers "bad" LDL and raises "good" HDL cholesterol), lower blood pressure, and strengthen the heart muscle.
- If you have diabetes or high blood pressure (or both), control them. High blood pressure and high blood sugar are damaging to the heart.
Reviewed by Robert J. Bryg, MD on 7/27/2016
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:
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Heart Health: What Causes Heart Palpitations?
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE
Your heart pounds, flutters, or seems to skip beats. You might call these feelings palpitations. Although they can feel scary, most aren't serious and rarely need treatment. Knowing what makes your heart race can help you not panic when it happens and know when to call your doctor.
STRESS AND ANXIETY
Intense emotions can trigger the release of hormones that speed up your heartbeat. Your body gets ready to face a threat, even if you're not in danger. Panic attacks are intense bouts of fear that can last a few minutes. Symptoms include a racing heart, sweating, chills, trouble breathing, and chest pain. A panic attack can feel like a heart attack. If you're not sure which one you're having, get medical help.
EXERCISE
Working out is good for you. And a brisk run or intense indoor cycling class will naturally make your heart beat faster. That helps your heart pump more blood to power your muscles through the workout. If your heart flutters or pounds, it could be because you haven't worked out in a while and you're out of condition. An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can also cause palpitations when you exercise.
CAFFEINE
Does your heart beat faster after your morning latte? Caffeine is a stimulant that raises your heart rate, whehther you get it from coffee, soda, an energy drink, tea, chocolate, or another source. One study found that caffeine from coffee, tea, and chocolate isn’t likely to cause palpitations in people with healthy hearts. But experts don't know whether it might trigger them in people with heart rhythm problems.
NICOTINE
The addictive chemical in cigarettes and other tobacco products, nicotine raises your blood pressure and speeds up your heart rate. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart, though it might not slow your heartbeat right away. Patches and other nicotine replacement products can make your heart race. Palpitations can also be a symptom of nicotine withdrawal, but they should stop within 3 to 4 weeks after you quit.
HORMONE CHANGES
Women might notice that their heartbeat speeds up when they have their period, they're pregnant, they’re close to menopause, or they're in menopause. The reason: hormone levels. The boost in heart rate is usually temporary and no reason for worry. If you're pregnant, palpitations can also happen if you're anemic, which means you don’t have enough red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body.
FEVER
When you have a fever during an illness, your body uses energy at a faster pace than usual. This can set off palpitations. Usually your temperature needs to be above 100.4 F to affect your heart rate.
MEDICINES
Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines cause palpitations as a side effect, including:
- Antibiotics
- Antifungal medicines
- Antipsychotic drugs
- Asthma inhalers
- Cough and cold medicines
- Diet pills
- High blood pressure medicines
- Thyroid pills
LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Have you ever noticed that you feel shaky, cranky, and weak when you've skipped a meal? It can also lead to palpitations. When your blood sugar level drops, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline to prepare for an emergency food shortage. Adrenaline speeds up your heart rate.
OVERACTIVE THYROID GLAND
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It makes hormones that help manage your metabolism and other things. An overactive thyroid (called hyperthyroidism) can make too much thyroid hormone. That can speed up your heart so much that you feel it beating in your chest. Taking too much thyroid hormone to treat an underactive thyroid gland (called hypothyroidism) can also rev up your heartbeat.
HEART RHYTHM PROBLEMS
Sometimes an irregular heart rhythm, called an arrhythmia, causes palpitations.
- Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, happens when the heart's upper chambers, called the atria, flutter instead of beating normally.
- Supraventricular tachycardia is an abnormally fast heartbeat that starts in the heart's upper chambers.
- Ventricular tachycardia is a fast heart rate due to faulty signals in the heart's lower pumping chambers, called the ventricles.
ALCOHOL
If you drink a lot, or just have more than usual, you might feel your heart beating faster or fluttering. It often happens on holidays or weekends, when people drink more, earning it the nickname of "holiday heart syndrome.” But for some people, it can happen even when they only drink a little bit.
PREMATURE VENTRICULAR CONTRACTIONS
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats. They happen when your heart's ventricles squeeze too soon. The extra beat throws off your heart's normal rhythm and makes it flutter, pound, or jump in your chest. If your heart is healthy, occasional PVCs are nothing to worry about. But you might need treatment if you have heart disease and you get these extra beats often.
COCAINE AND OTHER STREET DRUGS
Illegal drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy are dangerous to the heart. Cocaine boosts blood pressure, raises heart rate, and damages the heart muscle. Amphetamines stimulate the nervous system, which ramps up your heartbeat. Ecstasy triggers the release of a chemical called norepinephrine, which makes the heart beat faster.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If you're healthy, you probably don't need to worry about palpitations that happen once in a while and last only a few seconds. But make a doctor's appointment if they come more often or you also have symptoms like these:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fainting
FINDING THE CAUSE
These tests can help your doctor figrue out what's going on:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test looks for problems with the electrical signals that control your heart rhythm.
- Holter monitor. You wear this portable ECG for 24 to 72 hours at a time. It can find heart rhythm problems and any patterns that might need more tests.
- Event Monitor. You wear this device for several weeks. It records your heart rhythm when you press a button while having symptoms.
- Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to make pictures of your heart. It can find problems with your heart's structure.
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD on 9/22/2017
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:
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Atrial Fibrillation: Heart Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Afib Treatment
WHAT IS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart rhythm abnormality caused by a problem with the heart's electrical system. Normally, the heart's electricity flows from the top chambers (atria) to the bottom chambers (ventricles), causing the normal contraction. In atrial fibrillation the electrical flow is chaotic causing the heartbeat to become irregular.
WARNING SIGN: UNEVEN PULSE
Atrial fibrillation causes an irregular heart rate. If you check your pulse, you will often feel a "fluttering." When atrial fibrillation is new in onset or poorly controlled by medications you will often feel your heart racing. This rapid, abnormal heart rate can be dangerous if not treated and controlled quickly.
AFIB VS. NORMAL HEART RHYTHM
When the heart beats with a normal rhythm, electricity flows from the top of the heart to the bottom of the heart, causing the heart muscle to contract and moving the blood through the body. In AFib, the electricity flows chaotically and the bottom chambers of the heart contract irregularly.
WARNING SIGN: DIZZINESS
If your heart goes into atrial fibrillation you may experience dangerous and frightening symptoms. AFib may cause symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Feeling of palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue or exercise intolerance
AFIB AND STROKE
Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for stroke. About 15 percent of all people who have strokes have AFib. Because of the irregular and chaotic flow of blood through the heart, small blood clots can form in the heart chambers when you have atrial fibrillation. These clots can travel through the bloodstream to the brain, causing a stroke. This is why people with chronic AFib are usually on blood-thinning medications.
WHEN TO CALL 911
If you think you are experiencing atrial fibrillation and have chest pain, feel faint, feel a very rapid heart rate (greater than 100 beats per minute), or have any signs or symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.
WHAT CAUSES ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?
Atrial fibrillation is a common problem. Risk factors for AFib include:
- Poorly controlled high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart valve problems
- Coronary artery disease
- Alcohol abuse
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Thyroid disorders
RISK FACTORS YOU CAN'T CONTROL
Having a family history of atrial fibrillation is a strong risk factor for you developing it as well. Your risk of getting AFib also increases with age, and white males have a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation.
RISK FACTORS YOU CAN CONTROL
There are some risk factors for atrial fibrillation that are in your control. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and watch your weight. Stop smoking and limit alcohol use. Do not use illegal drugs and be very careful if you use certain prescription drugs such as albuterol or other stimulants. Talk to your doctor if you are prescribed these medications and have concerns.
HEART SURGERY CAN BE A TRIGGER
One of the risks of having open-heart surgery or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is atrial fibrillation. Your doctor will work to control or correct this as it can lead to other complications.
LONE AFIB
Atrial fibrillation that happens in younger people (less than 60 years old), without an obvious cause is called lone AFib. Lone AFib can be triggered by exercise, eating, sleeping, and alcohol. Sometimes it comes and goes on its own and may not need immediate treatment. Consult your doctor.
DIAGNOSING AFIB: EKG
Your doctor will diagnose atrial fibrillation on an electrocardiogram (EKG). This heart tracing shows a distinct pattern in the electricity of the heart that your doctor can diagnose. If your AFib comes and goes you may need to wear a continuous heart monitor (Holter monitor) to diagnose the abnormal rhythm.
OTHER TESTS FOR AFIB
Once atrial fibrillation is confirmed or suspected your doctor will perform further tests to check your heart muscle and heart valves and to screen for blood clots. These tests include an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) or a stress test or possibly even a catheterization to check the blood vessels for blockage.
THE COURSE OF AFIB
Atrial fibrillation can come and go on its own or last the rest of your lifetime. When AFib comes and goes within a few minutes to a few hours it is considered paroxysmal AFib. The irregular rhythm from atrial fibrillation may begin to last longer and longer or cause worsening symptoms at which point it will need to be treated and controlled.
TREATMENT: CARDIOVERSION
In some cases, atrial fibrillation can be corrected with an electric shock to the heart called a cardioversion. In severe emergency cases this may be the only choice to control the AFib. Medications may also be tried to do the cardioversion of your heart rhythm. If your AFib has been going on for more than 48 hours, you may not be a candidate for cardioversion as your risk of having blood clots that could lead to stroke is increased.
TREATMENT: MEDICATION
Patients with atrial fibrillation are usually prescribed a combination of medicines to prevent complications. Blood thinners or anti-clotting medications help prevent the risk of stroke. Medications that control the rate that your heart beats keep the heart from beating too fast. Some medications are specifically designed to control the electrical rhythm of the heart, keeping it from becoming more irregular and chaotic.
TREATMENT: ABLATION
In certain instances, medications or cardioversion may not control your atrial fibrillation effectively. A specially trained cardiologist (called an electrophysiologist) may perform a surgical procedure called an ablation to fix your atrial fibrillation. A radiofrequency ablation is done through a catheter threaded into your heart to send low-voltage, high-frequency electricity into the area of your heart that is causing the irregular electrical rhythm. This destroys the small amount of tissue causing the abnormal heart beat and may totally cure the AFib.
TREATMENT: SURGERY
In some cases, surgery on your heart may be needed to treat your AFib. The Maze procedure is a type of surgery where small cuts are placed in the upper chamber of the heart (atria) to help the conduction of electricity to be regular. This procedure may also be done through small incisions or catheters threaded into the heart.
TREATMENT: PACEMAKER
In rare instances, after an ablation to treat your atrial fibrillation your doctor may need to implant a pacemaker. Pacemakers themselves are not designed to treat atrial fibrillation. They are mainly used to correct slow heartbeats. Discuss the possible outcomes of your heart treatment with your cardiologist.
OUTLOOK FOR AFIB
If your atrial fibrillation is well controlled, or corrected with a heart procedure, you may not have any life-changing symptoms from your AFib. Some people with chronic AFib need to be maintained on medications and blood thinners for the rest of their lives. The side effects of these medications can cause long-term complications. Discuss your medications with your cardiologist to see what limitations they may cause on your lifestyle.
PREVENTING AFIB
Keeping yourself healthy and changing bad lifestyle habits is an important way to lower your risk for atrial fibrillation. Exercise regularly, quit smoking, keep your blood pressure under control, and eat a nutritious diet that is low in fat and salt to lower your risks of heart problems.
CHECK YOUR PULSE REGULARLY
The National Stroke Association suggests everyone over the age of 40 checks their pulse once every month. There is an initiative called "Check Your Pulse" aimed at identifying abnormal heart rates and patients with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation early.
Reviewed by Robert J. Bryg, MD on 5/3/2016
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:
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Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Tips for Living with Atrial Fibrillation
DON'T IGNORE THE WARNING SIGNS
Atrial fibrillation – AFib for short - is the most common type of irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia). Some people with AFib have no symptoms at all, while others can have symptoms so severe they result in stroke, heart attach, or heart failure. Symptoms of AFib can include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. It may feel like you hear "skips" a beat. See a doctor if you have any symptoms of AFib or other symptoms that concern you.
CONTROL DIABETES AND BLOOD PRESSURE
AFib alone raises stroke risk. Put that together with high blood pressure (the most common cause of stroke), or diabetes (people with diabetes are four times more likely to have a stroke than those without) and you increase your chance of stroke even more. If you have AFib, keep your diabetes in check by eating a healthy, balanced diet low in sugar. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to lower your risk of high blood pressure.
EAT A HEART-HEALTHY DIET
Eat a heart-healthy diet to reduce your risk for AFib. The American Heart Association recommends a diet low in fat and cholesterol. Choose nutrient-rich foods including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish, and nuts and legumes. Limit saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, red meats, and sugar.
QUIT SMOKING
Smoking is detrimental to your body and your health in every respect, and it can increase your chances of developing atrial fibrillation, heart disease, and stroke. Try smoking cessation aids such as the nicotine patch, gum, or lozenges. Talk to your doctor about kicking the habit, as there are also medical treatments available to help you quit.
TAKE CARE WITH BLOOD THINNERS
Taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) can reduce the risk of having a stroke in patients with AFib by up to 70 percent. But it's important to know that these medications can interact with some foods, supplements, or other medications. Talk to your doctor to find out what foods you can eat, and which ones you should avoid, while you are taking anticoagulants.
LIMIT ALCOHOL AND STIMULANTS
If you have atrial fibrillation, it's probably ok to have a drink or two on occasion. Moderation is key. But large amounts of alcohol should be avoided as it can increase your risk of developing AFib by 50%. Alcohol can also affect blood thinners you may be taking, and increase your risk of bleeding.
Some over-the-counter drugs including stimulants such as decongestants with pseudoephedrine may also cause irregular heartbeats and should be avoided if you have AFib.
Some over-the-counter drugs including stimulants such as decongestants with pseudoephedrine may also cause irregular heartbeats and should be avoided if you have AFib.
DON'T OVERDO THE COFFEE
While caffeine has not been shown to be a risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation, caffeine can raise your blood pressure and increase your heart rate, which may trigger an episode of AFib if you already have it. Moderate coffee intake of 2-3 cups per day is usually ok, but if you are not used to caffeine it may affect you more strongly.
GET YOUR BODY MOVING
Exercise and physical activity are important for overall health and well being. Regular activity can keep your weight in check and reduce your risk of complications from heart disease and other illness. However, vigorous activity may trigger or aggravate AFib so before starting any kind of exercise program, it's important to talk to your doctor and find out what kind of exercise program is best for you. Start slowly by walking and increase the amount of time or the intensity of the activity as you become more fit.
DON'T SKIP YOUR SHOTS
People who have heart disease, including atrial fibrillation, are at higher risk for developing complications from the flu (influenza). Stay healthy and get your flu vaccine each year.
CUT DOWN ON STRESS
Stress is a major factor in triggering episodes of arrhythmia in people who have AFib. In addition, chronic stress is often associated with habits that are bad for your heart such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake. The good news is that a study in the American College of Cardiology found practicing yoga just one hour, twice a week improves your heart rhythm and lowers blood pressure and heart rate – which may reduce the frequency of AFib episodes. Yoga can also improve your overall mood and outlook by decreasing depression and anxiety – which decreases stress.
Reviewed by Robert J. Bryg, MD on 6/21/2016
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:
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