It's no lie: A-Fib can be avoided
After age 45, you have a 20% to 33% chance of developing atrial fibrillation (A-fib) -- an irregular and often very rapid heartbeat -- according to a recent Lancet study. That can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as stroke and heart failure. In fact, a new study in Neurology shows that folks with A-fib are almost five times more likely to have a severe stroke than folks without the condition. There is also evidence that A-fib is associated with around a 30% increased risk of dementia, independent of stroke.
But some everyday activities can do a lot to reduce your risk. According to research from NYU Langone Health presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association, something as simple as 2.5 to 5 hours a week of moderate to vigorous housecleaning reduces the risk of A-fib by 60%. Walking is equally beneficial. And the more you move, the greater the protection. Getting more than five hours of exercise a week reduced folks' A-fib risk by 65%
Other ways to reduce your risk of A-fib include not smoking (anything), getting sleep apnea treated, avoiding excess alcohol consumption, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, preventing or controlling high blood pressure, and avoiding, controlling or reversing Type 2 diabetes.
For more ways to protect your cardiovascular health, check out the innovations outlined in Dr. Mike's book "The Great Age Reboot" and read "Support Heart Health with These 4 Doctor-Approved Habits" and "16 Natural Ways to Support Heart Health" at iHerb.com/blog.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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