Atrial Fibrilation

Definition, Diagnosis, and Natural Treatment

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Introduction

“If you are diagnosed with AFib, don’t panic. You can still lead a long and healthy life. There are natural solutions, and we are here to help.”

– Dr. Jack Wolfson

“The monster in my chest has a mind of its own, Doc,” he said with a nervous chuckle. “it comes and goes when it wants, overtaking my heart and flopping it all over the place like a rag doll.” Stan had a very accurate way of describing what atrial fibrillation (AFib) feels like for many people.

You may be like Stan and have skipped heartbeats, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness, or you may have no symptoms at all. Yet, a routine medical exam uncovered AFib when your practitioner felt your pulse and found it was abnormal. From here, you had an EKG/ECG test which showed underlying AFib as the reason for the irregular pulse.

Many people diagnosed with AFib are told that they just have to live with it and that nothing will help. Others have passed through a series of conventional tests, procedures, and pills only to be left the same as they were at the start… with AFib.

Does this sound like you or someone you know? This can be a terrifying time, especially if you don’t understand what is happening to your body.

You may be wondering things like, is AFib life-threatening? Or, what is the leading cause of AFib? These are excellent questions to ask.

First, you need to know that you are not alone. As of 2020, over 37 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with AFib.

This number has increased by a whopping 33 percent during the last 20 years.

By 2030 it is thought that the number of diagnosed AFib cases will skyrocket by 60 percent. Sadly, the rates of AFib are on the rise, with many scientists calling it a global epidemic. FACT: Over 5 million people in America are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation each year. This number will rise to 15.9 million by the year 2050

“Why is the number of AFib cases skyrocketing? It is certainly not because of a pharmaceutical or AFib procedure deficit. For millions, living a toxic life and eating bad food in a toxic world is the norm. As this lifestyle persists, more and more people will be diagnosed with AFib and other life-threatening conditions. To change the numbers, a new and improved lifestyle must be adopted.”

– Dr. Jack Wolfson

The financial implications of AFib individually and for society are HUGE. AFib is a significant economic burden; insurance, out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays, drugs, procedures, and job-related expenses like days off or even loss of jobs are a tremendous financial burden.

Over 6 billion dollars are spent annually on AFib in the United States. Annual medical costs can be up almost $9,000 higher for people who have AFib than those who don’t.

The emotional costs are also enormous. An immediate stress response begins once someone is diagnosed with AFib. This stress response spreads outwards, impacting all affected, including family members and close friends.

The additional stress burden on the person diagnosed works contrary to getting well, and dealing with this stress must be part of the solution package.

We at Natural Heart Doctor understand and are so glad that you are here. Maybe you have just been diagnosed with AFib or have a loved one who has been diagnosed with this unsettling condition.

We are here to help and give you hope. We want you to know that no matter where you are on your journey and what has already happened or is happening to you or your loved one, it’s going to be okay.

You can achieve your
100 year heart
even if you have AFib.

After reading this, we hope that you will have a better understanding of the following:

What is AFib

Different types of AFib

Symptoms of AFib

Risk factors of AFib

Complications of AFib

How AFib is commonly diagnosed

How conventional medicine treats AFib and how pharmaceuticals and procedures are NOT always the answer

How to reverse and prevent AFib naturally

The best evidence-based tests for AFib

The best evidence-based supplements for AFib

Chapter 1:

What is AFib?

Understanding any health condition is critical to the healing process. If you comprehend the problem and the root causes, you can better understand the treatment plan and be more compliant with the solution.

Being your own health advocate is more critical than ever. To do this, you must invest in yourself daily. It is the most selfless thing you can do. Investing in yourself makes you a better person, a healthier person!

How the heart’s conduction system works

Before we go any further, it is crucial to understand how the heart conduction system works.

The heart’s electrical pathway, leading to atrial and ventricular contractions, is the cardiac conduction system. A series of electrical events happen during one full heart muscle contraction. Let’s look in a little more detail at the parts that make up the cardiac conduction system and how they work together.

The Sinoatrial Node:

Where it starts

The sinoatrial (SA) node is located in the upper wall of the right atrium and contains special cells known as pacemaker cells. These cells spontaneously generate electrical impulses creating what is known as a wave of excitation.

This wave created by the SA node spreads across the right and left atria and results in atrial contraction. Blood moves from the atria into the ventricles.

The rate at which the SA node generates impulses is under the control of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS comes from the brain and then divides into the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. Sympathetic is commonly thought of as the fight, flight, or freeze response. Parasympathetic is rest, digest, reproduction, and recovery.

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for increasing the SA node’s firing rate, which increases heart rate.
The parasympathetic nervous system decreases the SA node’s firing rate, which decreases heart rate.

The Atrioventricular Node:

Where it delays

After the electrical wave spreads across the atria, it gathers at the atrioventricular (AV) node. It delays long enough to ensure that the atria have enough time to eject blood into the ventricles.

Atrioventricular Bundle:

Where it continues and contracts

The atrioventricular bundle (bundle of His) and the Purkinje fibers spread the electrical wave along the right and left ventricles, causing them to contract.

Heartbeat = A contraction in the top part of the heart followed by a contraction in the bottom part of the heart.

Normal Heart Rhythm vs. AFib Heart Rhythm

Normal heart rhythm

Here is a strip from a normal EKG/ECG. You can see the regularity of the heartbeat. It is nice and smooth and predictable!

AFib is a form of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) with no synchronicity to the heartbeat.

The bottom part of the heart may be contracting correctly, but the top part is not. Instead of contracting, the top part of the heart is fluttering or quivering at about 600 beats per minute.

AFib is a sign from your body that something is out of balance. Something is causing your heart to respond in arrhythmia.

AFib is not a disease in itself but a result of other diseases or conditions within the body.

This is one of the main reasons conventional treatments like drugs and procedures often fail. They do nothing to uncover the root reason why the heart is acting out.

Find the root cause. End the AFib.

During an AFib episode, the heart is not effectively moving blood into the ventricles (the lower chamber) from the atria (upper chamber).

AFib can go undiagnosed for a long time, as people are often asymptomatic.

Keep in mind; you are not alone if you have this condition. It is the most commonly diagnosed condition in clinical practice.

AFib heart rhythm

When someone is experiencing AFib, the heartbeat is IRREGULAR

Boom/ Boom/Boom/Boom, Boom/Boom/Boom / Boom/Boom, Boom/ Boom

We can equate the irregular heartbeat of AFib with the sound of a dripping faucet. Instead of hearing your faucet’s “drip drip drip” regular pattern, the flow sounds different.

The “AFib faucet” sounds as if you are turning the knob between nearly off and full blast repeatedly. Something is amiss.

Fortunately, the AV node is like a built-in toll booth that only allows so many beats to pass through per minute.

Younger people in AFib might have a heart rate of around 180 beats per minute, while older people, especially those who take pharmaceuticals, may have slower but still unorganized heartbeats.

Three Types of AFib

There are three primary types of AFib, and the type you have will determine your symptoms and how long they may last.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: This type of AFib comes on suddenly, with symptoms lasting anywhere from a few seconds to days, although all symptoms disappear within a week. Approximately half of those diagnosed with AFib fit this category.
Persistent atrial fibrillation: Unlike those with paroxysmal AFib, individuals with persistent AFib have two or more episodes of symptoms that last longer than one week.
Permanent atrial fibrillation: Individuals with permanent AFib have typically exhausted all of their treatment options, remaining in AFib despite all attempts otherwise.

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Three Types of AFib

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Terminates spontaneously, usually within 48 hours

Persistent atrial fibrillation

Will not terminate spontaneously, but can be electrically cardioverted or converted with drugs

Permanent atrial fibrillation

Will not terminate spontaneously, and is refractory to cardioversion

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Chapter 2:

Symptoms of AFib: The way it makes you feel

Afib Feels like:

Drums Pounding

Thunder Rumbling

fish flopping

Stan described AFib like a monster in his chest, and for many, this is how it feels. It is odd, unexpected, and terrifying. But the symptoms of AFib are highly individualistic.

Atrial fibrillation feels different for everyone and some may not feel it at all. However, some of the most common symptoms for people in AFib are:

Heart palpitations, skipped beats, thumping, a feeling that the heart is “flipping and flopping”
Feeling that the heart is racing, pounding, or going very fast
Feeling more tired than usual, often described as exhausted
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or feeling light-headed
Pain or discomfort in the chest
Feeling disoriented or confused
Sweating
Feeling anxious, panicked, or having a general sense that something is wrong.

Chapter 3:

Stroke and What Else Could Happen

Yes, people are dying from AFib and its complications. Recent research suggests that atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

The American Journal of Epidemiology published a study examining mortality and atrial fibrillation rates over 18 years. Here is what the study authors had to say,

“These findings emphasize the need for increased application of proven prevention and control measures to decrease associated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.”

What are the mainstream doctors doing for prevention?

You have just gotten the diagnosis. You sit with your head in your hands, repeating what the doctor has just told you.

“Because you have AFib, there is a greater chance that you might have a stroke, develop dementia, cardiomyopathy, or experience erectile dysfunction and other serious conditions.”

I know that mainstream cardiologists are doing nothing for prevention. I was one of them at one time, and there was never talk about prevention, no tools given to patients, only pills and procedures.

Dr. Jack Wolfson

What does any of this even mean? It all sounds terrible, right?

The thought of developing these conditions leaves you terrified. Suddenly AFib feels very real. If you are seeing a conventional cardiologist, this is where they start prescribing pills to keep you from having a stroke.

The questions you should ask are: Do I need them? What are the complications of taking them? Are they addressing the root of the problem? What other options do I have?

Find out what percentage of people do better on the pills prescribed and how many don’t improve or get worse. You might have to dig for this information.

Remember, AFib is not a pill or procedure deficiency; it is your body acting out because something is out of balance. Something else is going on that is causing your heart to beat irregularly.

Will I have a stroke?

In AFib, blood can pool in the upper chamber of the heart and form clots. If a clot forms in the left-sided chamber, known as the left atrium, it can break free from the heart and travel to the brain. The clot can block blood flow in the brain and cause a stroke.

Studies have demonstrated up to a fivefold increase in overall stroke risk associated with atrial fibrillation. Indeed, that alarming statistic would cause anyone with atrial fibrillation to be concerned.

It is essential to recognize the difference between this overall risk and your risk. By identifying how likely you are to have a stroke, you can make informed health decisions.

What if we told you that not everyone diagnosed with AFib has a high stroke risk?

The truth is, there is a simple way to determine what your stroke risk is, which helps direct your next steps. First developed in 2001 and later modified, the CHADSVASc score is an acronym for a tool used by AFib patients to determine their stroke risk.

Remember that the CHADSVASc calculator does not account for inflammation resulting from lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, toxins, etc. The more inflamed your body is, the more likely you are to have a stroke. Reducing inflammation has a significant impact on stroke risk.

Read more about determining your personal stroke risk in the article below.

Cardiomyopathy/ Congestive Heart Failure

Cardiomyopathy means heart muscle dysfunction. This can occur from a fast heart rate such as in AFib and is an important reason to use a ZioPatch Monitor or monitor the average heart rate very often. Typically, cardiomyopathy causes the heart to become enlarged, thick, or rigid.

As cardiomyopathy becomes more advanced, the heart muscle becomes weaker. It cannot efficiently pump blood throughout the body and cannot maintain a regular electrical rhythm, resulting in arrhythmia.

Congestive heart failure, also known as heart failure, occurs when the heart cannot efficiently pump oxygenated blood to bodily organs. Atrial fibrillation can lead to heart failure, and heart failure can lead to AFib. Many things, including AFib, that increase your risk of heart failure can be reversed with simple lifestyle changes.

Dementia

Dementia or cognitive impairment may result from a large stroke or small, silent strokes, brain bleeds, or hypoperfusion to the brain. A heart in AFib may not pump enough blood effectively to get oxygen to the brain, thus leading to symptoms.

There is a growing body of evidence indicating that AFib is a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. Research shows a consistently higher risk and rate of cognitive impairment in those with AFib.

Erectile Dysfunction

For men, atrial fibrillation and erectile dysfunction (ED) is an issue. If you have atrial fibrillation, it’s a risk factor for erectile dysfunction, according to a recent urology journal article. The same risk factors that lead to AFib can lead to ED.

Chapter 4:

Why Do I Have AFib?

Once you wrap your mind around having AFib, the next question is, why? Why is your heart malfunctioning?

You are scared, feel crappy, and may be overwhelmed with dealing with all the “what ifs” that are before you. Getting to the root cause(s) of your AFib is instrumental in healing and becoming the best version of yourself.

Cardiologists usually tell patients that there is no cause for atrial fibrillation. It is just a consequence of getting older or genetics. But the cardiologists are incorrect, an accusation supported by exhaustive medical literature. The reality is that there are hundreds of causes of atrial fibrillation. At Natural Heart Doctor, we search and identify the root causes while developing a plan to eliminate them. The more we eliminate the causes, the more chance we have of reversing atrial fibrillation AND the other diseases that link to the same causes. This is in contrast to the “pill and burn” approach, which can eliminate the AFib but leaves the person at risk for other diseases because the causes were never addressed!

Dr. Jack Wolfson

All cardiologists recognize the following as traditional risk factors that put the body at a higher risk for developing AFib.

High Blood Pressure/ Hypertension

If your blood pressure is too high for too long (chronic), it can cause pressure to increase in the left atrium, which in turn causes enlargement, which can lead to AFib. A non-chronic or acute episode of high blood pressure can also bring on an AFib attack. Getting at the reason behind your high blood pressure is vital.

It is important to keep digging to get to the root cause of this prevalent AFib risk factor.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and AFib.

These include belly fat, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, high triglycerides, and low HDL (good) cholesterol.

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6 Signs of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome increases the risk or stroke, heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes

Metabolic Syndrome negatively impacts your metabolic activities and puts you at a greater risk of stroke, heart disease, and Type 2 Diabetes

High Blood Pressure

Abnormal Body Mass Index

High Blood Glucose

Abnormal Cholesterol

Obesity

Insulin Resistance

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Obesity

Does being obese lead to AFib? Research shows that people who are obese often have additional health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which contribute to the possibility of developing an irregular heartbeat. Research shows that a rise in BMI (body mass index) parallels a striking increase in AFib.

Being overweight puts a strain on the body and heart and is associated with what is known as epicardial fat – fat around the heart, which can lead to AFib.

Related Post: Does a Big Belly Cause AFib?

Sleep Apnea

Research shows a strong association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and atrial fibrillation. Almost 50 percent of people with AFib also have OSA. OSA occurs when there is a blockage in the airway that restricts breathing for ten seconds or longer during sleep.

The condition ranges from mild to severe depending on the number of times a person stops breathing each hour.

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed but carries many symptoms, including morning headaches, daytime drowsiness, snoring, night sweats, impaired memory, choking sounds, weight gain, and moodiness.

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Genetic Predisposition

“Our genetics are perfect. But wait, you might say, I know that I have this particular gene that makes me more susceptible to atrial fibrillation. That may be the case in a very few people; however, something, some stressor must act on that gene for it to act out.”

– Dr. Jack Wolfson

In short, something must turn on the light switch. Think lifestyle factors here. How you live, what you eat, etc. A family history of atrial fibrillation does not mean that you will automatically develop the condition.

Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. Its primary responsibility is to produce two hormones, Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). These hormones circulate throughout the body where they regulate metabolism, telling the cells in your body how much energy to use and regulating your body temperature and heart rate. They are also crucial for digestion, muscle control, brain development, and mood balance.

When the thyroid gland produces too much or too little of these hormones, disorders occur. The two most common types of thyroid disease are:

Hypothyroidism – The thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone
Hyperthyroidism – The thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone

Hypothyroidism and the heart

Lower production of thyroid hormone can lead to heart issues such as AFib and congestive heart failure. Decreased thyroid can be from an autoimmune condition where your immune system is attacking the thyroid gland. This is called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, named after the doctor who discovered the disease.

When heart symptoms are present, they may include:

Slower heart rate – bradycardia
Swelling of the hands and feet
Excess fluid around the heart

Treatment for hypothyroidism starts with finding the cause of the condition and is often reversible.

Routine Testing for Thyroid Problems Sometimes Falls Short

For many years, ranges used for routine thyroid testing have been discussed and debated. The main problem is inconsistencies and changes in reference ranges, resulting in people who need treatment falling between the cracks.

Studies show huge differences between the population and individual reference ranges. This means that test results that fall in the normal range may be optimal for one person but not another.

The key here is a personalized approach based on the specific needs of the individual. If you suspect an issue with your thyroid, visit a skilled practitioner who will consider how you feel and your lifestyle, and will use comprehensive testing.

Hyperthyroidism and the Heart

When the body produces too much thyroid hormone, it pushes the heart to work harder, leading to symptoms like:

Increased heart rate, even when resting and especially after exercise
Higher blood pressure
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Increased cardiac output – the amount of blood pumping through the body
Increased heart contractions

Once treatment begins for this condition, the symptoms usually go away. However, hyperthyroidism does increase the risk of heart conditions, including:

Heart failure
AFib
Chest pain
Pulmonary hypertension

Alcohol Consumption

At one time, heavy drinking only was associated with AFib, allowing for social consumption. However, new research shows that even one drink is enough to increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. The new study is the first of its kind to find a correlation between even a single glass of wine and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

Smoking

The more a person smokes, the greater their risk of developing AFib. A person who smokes ten cigarettes per day has a 17 percent higher risk of developing AFib. A person who smokes 20 cigarettes has a 32 percent greater risk. For a person who smokes 30 cigarettes per day, the risk is 45 percent higher than for a non-smoker.

Smoking increases the risk of other health conditions such as diabetes, COPD, coronary heart disease, and heart failure, which make the risk of AFib greater. Nicotine is implicated in fibrosis of the heart, which can lead to arrhythmia.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a name given to a group of progressive lung diseases that restrict airflow and cause breathing-related problems. The two most common conditions are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Emphysema destroys the air sacs in the lungs, which disrupts outward airflow. Chronic bronchitis results in narrowed bronchial tubes, causing mucus to accumulate. Smoking is the number one cause of COPD, as smoke causes irreversible damage to the airways.

Breathing in secondhand smoke over time can also lead to COPD. Polluted workplaces, toxic homes, air pollution, and a previous history of asthma increase the risk of developing COPD.

Research illustrates a strong correlation between COPD and atrial fibrillation. One study found that people with COPD had a 28 percent greater risk of developing AFib than those without COPD.

Valvular Heart Disease

The heart has four valves – tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic. Each one has flaps that open and close to keep blood flowing through the heart, lungs, and body. Two problems that can happen with valves are stenosis and regurgitation.

Stenosis – Stenosis occurs when flaps on a valve become thick, stiff, or fuse together. This means the valve cannot be fully open. For instance, blood flow is obstructed from the left atrium to the left ventricle with mitral valve stenosis. The result is an increase in pressure in the left atrium. This can cause the heart to enlarge and the risk for AFib to increase.

Regurgitation – Regurgitation occurs when a valve is unable to close fully. This causes blood to leak backward rather than flowing through the heart or into an artery. When regurgitation occurs, the heart is strained because it must work harder. Over time the heart may become enlarged, which increases the risk of AFib.

Premature Atrial Contractions

Research shows a link between premature atrial contractions (PACs) and AFib. PACs occur in the heart’s upper chambers in the atria. They generally occur in healthy individuals with no known heart disease and do not typically cause damage to the heart muscle.

Some people may have fluttering, increased awareness of heartbeat, heart palpitations, skipped or missed heartbeats, or fatigue after exercise. Symptoms generally occur in the evening or night when the heart rate naturally slows down.

Researchers believe that these premature atrial beats may shorten the electrical recovery time of atrial cells. Because of this, several premature beats may occur in a row, triggering an AFib attack.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is also known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is essentially scar tissue in an artery. It contains immune cells, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances inside the arteries and is commonly called plaque build-up.

Over time these substances harden and build up as plaque, ultimately narrowing the arteries and obstructing blood flow to your heart and other organs. This can lead to AFib, heart attacks, stroke, serious illness, and death.

Athletics

The risk of AFib is more than 50 percent higher for competitive athletes than non-athletes. Researchers found that younger athletes (under 55) had a significantly higher risk of AFib compared to athletes over 55, although older athletes were more likely to have AFib than non-athletes. Another study shows that elite endurance athletes can have up to a five times greater risk of AFib than the general population.

The reasons are not incredibly clear as to why there is an increased risk of AFib among athletes. Some theories state that hormones may increase the risk and that exercise can change the heart’s structure, making some chambers a little larger, which could contribute.

Athletes also generate a lot of oxidative damage from free radicals. If healthy antioxidants are not consumed to combat the free radicals, they can interfere with the energy-producing mitochondria and contribute to AFib.

Related Post: The Truth About Exercise and AFib

Chapter 5:

9 Lifestyle Risk Factors Your Cardiologist May Not Tell You About

Natural Heart Doctor recognizes the traditional risk factors but understands that additional lifestyle risks or root factors drive the body out of balance!

Because of this, it is vital to start with these lifestyle risk factors or ROOTS to tackle AFib, which, remember, is a symptom of the body being out of balance.

Think about a tree:

When the roots are strong, the tree is strong!

Take the biggest fear and risk of AFib, stroke. Addressing lifestyle risk factors such as diet and physical activity has a massive impact on blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes – all conditions that drive up the risk of AFib and stroke. Do you see how all of this is interconnected?

Research in animals first and then in humans shows that improving health at the most basic level has a significant and lasting positive impact on AFib burden. In other words, striving to be the best version of yourself is at the very core of reversing your AFib and preventing sickness.

When we work to be the best version of ourselves and live a clean and healthy lifestyle, we see the heart settle down and quit acting out.

Here are nine lifestyle areas that significantly drive disease and create ripe opportunities for atrial fibrillation.

1. Poor Diet

What you eat (and drink) truly matters. Think of it this way. Would you put soda in your gas tank and expect to go very far? The answer is a flat-out “no.” In the same fashion, if we do not give our body what it needs for fuel, repair, healing, and balance, it will not respond favorably.

A diet loaded with refined sugar and grains, dangerous fats, gluten, additives, preservatives, and other dangerous chemicals causes major inflammation, which starts the disease process.

It is essential to think of food as fuel and consider everything you put inside your body as impacting you in one of two ways. Either it will provide energy and a positive, lasting health impact, or it will drive you into a state of disrepair and disease.

Research reveals that a poor diet kills more people globally than tobacco, high blood pressure, or any other health risk!

Related Post: Quit Eating This “Sweet” Poison

2. Poor Sleep

Do you burn the candle at both ends? Perhaps you have an irregular sleep schedule or suffer from stress-induced insomnia.

A lack of quality sleep can and eventually will make you sick. Not only does a lack of sleep contribute to an inflammatory reaction in the body, but it can also impact your immune system.

Your body needs quality sleep to repair and refresh.

Over the long run, a lack of sleep increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and AFib.

3. Lack of Sunshine

Do you spend most of your time indoors? Do you live in a northern location where a lack of sunshine is typical? Research tells us that Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors.

If you spend the majority of your time indoors, you are not only missing out on all the health benefits of sunshine but also breathing in indoor pollutants that further compromise health.

You may have never thought about the importance of sunlight, but research clearly shows that it is instrumental in achieving optimal wellness. Getting enough sunlight on your body is essential for metabolism, good health, and disease prevention.

But why? Vitamin D is one of four fat-soluble vitamins and not truly a vitamin, although it has this name. Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D is produced in the body and is not found in any foods apart from fish and egg yolks.

Even when consumed, the body must transform the vitamin D from food sources before it is functional. Natural vitamin D is produced in the skin and is present in the form of cholesterol. Ultraviolet B (UVB) energy from the sun converts this cholesterol to vitamin D3. Next, it is carried to the liver and kidney, transforming into the usable form of vitamin D.

A lack of sunshine starts a cascade of health problems that can lead to the development of atrial fibrillation, including:

Poor quality sleep
Lack of energy
Lack of focus
Increased risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes
Increased risk of depression
Weak bones
Weak immune system
Weight gain
High blood pressure
Increased risk of cancer

4. Poor Stress Management

The connection between poor stress management and sickness is obvious and well documented in research.

Since eliminating stress from your life is almost impossible, it is essential to develop healthy habits for managing the stress that comes your way.

Improperly managing stress puts a tremendous strain on the body and can cause many issues that can lead to the development of atrial fibrillation and other conditions, including:

Aches and Pains

It is common to feel some bodily discomfort while under long-term stress. Some studies link chronic pain, including headaches, with higher levels of stress and increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Skin Problems

Stress can wreak havoc on our skin. Several studies associate higher stress levels with increased acne, dermatitis, and even aging.

Gut Dysfunction

Stress disrupts our digestive system and can even change our appetite. Research studies have connected long-term stress with digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and diarrhea, especially in relation to digestive disorders such as IBS.

Sleep Disruptions

Sleep is crucial for our health, but most have experienced difficulty sleeping after a stressful day or week. Stress can disrupt sleep, leading to insomnia, fatigue, and lower daytime energy. One study found that higher levels of work-related stress increase sleepiness and restlessness.

Changes in Mood

Research shows that chronic stress may lead to the development of depression. One study of women found that both acute and chronic stress contributed to the onset of depression. These findings suggest the importance of assessing chronic stress as part of the treatment of mood disorders.

What Stress Does to the Body

Short Term
Long Term

Feeling nervous all the time
Fast heartbeat
Quick breathing
Digestive woes
Oily and sensitive skin
Tense muscles

Tension headaches
Mental health issues
Major heart issues
Breathing issues and panic attacks
Acne and hair loss
Elevated risk of type 2 diabetes
Fertility issues men and women

5. Physical Inactivity

Heart Disease

Lack of physical activity can lead to cardiovascular disease.

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Lower Back & Spine

Sitting increases stress on (and reduces flexibility of) the spine and can lead to osteoporosis.

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Obesity

Increased sitting is linked to weight gain and diabetes.

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Vascular Problems

Too much time in a chair can lead to blood clots and, in serious cases, deep vein thrombosis.

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Moving is essential for health. Research indicates that a sedentary lifestyle contributes to severe health problems. A lack of movement is the primary cause of most chronic diseases.

Not only does a lack of movement contribute to poor heart health, but it also increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other serious health problems that can lead to atrial fibrillation.

Sedentary jobs have increased in America, and more people spend time at a desk and in their cars than ever before. People who sit for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity have the same risks of dying as those who are obese. Too much sitting can even lead to premature mortality.

6. Environmental Toxins and Pollutants

When you think of pollutants, the tall stack spewing black smoke into the air might come to mind. However, pollutants and environmental toxins may be so tiny you can’t even see them.

Related Post: Polluted Air Increases the Risk of AFib

This, however, does not undermine their danger. Even the smallest, most microscopic environmental toxins can harm your health. Toxins you are exposed to in your work environment, home, or everyday living can increase your risk of developing severe health conditions, including AFib. Environmental toxins are considered a key driver of cardiovascular disease.

Related Post: Can Chemicals in My Workplace Cause AFib?

There is also major growing concern over pesticides and the development of several diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and neurological conditions.

7. Mold Mycotoxins

Over 300 mycotoxins are known from hundreds of different mold species. Science tells us that these mycotoxins are hazardous to human (and animal) health.

The medical community is slowly starting to wake up to the dangers of mold and its mycotoxins.

Mold mycotoxins can lead to AFib. The evidence shows how they stimulate the immune system, damage glutathione, and create leaky gut, leaky heart, and leaky brain.

Is Mold Hiding in my Home?

Bathroom

Toilet • Shower • Towels

Attic

Nonventilated areas • Possible leaks going unnoticed

Laundry Room

HVAC system • Ductwork • Ceiling tiles

Kitchen

Under the sink • The fridge • Dishwasher

Living Room

Carpet • Electrical equipment • Windows

normal vertebrae
subluxated

8. Spinal Subluxations

Did you know that every organ in your body has a nerve stemming from your spinal cord?

A subluxation is a misalignment of the vertebrae that interferes with nerve function and results in an organ or tissue malfunction.

If a subluxation compresses a nerve in your stomach, it may not function properly, leading to gastritis, ulcers, etc.

Research shows that those who experience stress on their neck — even small amounts — were 3.1 times more likely to suffer a heart arrhythmia.

There are several reasons why people suffer from misalignments of the vertebrae, including injury, poor posture, trauma, accidents, and sports-related injuries.