Keto and Atrial Fibrillation
I have been on the Keto diet for about three weeks. Yesterday, I was hospitalized after experiencing a racing heartbeat, sweating and shortness of breath. It felt like a heart attack but was actually Atrial Fibrillation. The ER had to shock my heart back into a regular rhythm and they admitted me to the hospital to run tests including an Echocardiogram and blood tests. I feel completely fine now and am out of the hospital, but have to wear a heart monitor for a month. I have been searching online to see if there might be a relation to the Keto diet, and found conflicting info. Some sites say that there have been studies linking Keto to AFib, and other sites say there is no connection. Has anyone else experienced this? I am disappointed but think I'll err on the side of caution and switch to a low fat diet.
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Hi there, glad you are well now. Were you making sure your electrolytes were met? I take magnesium citrate, potassium and vD3. Drink water with some salt added and salt your food. I think if your off balance anything can effect our hearts.
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No, I have to admit that since I was still getting used to the diet, I didn't pay attention to my salt intake. I should have done that. But I'm still not convinced that this diet is the way to go for someone with heart issues. Bacon and eggs for breakfast just doesn't have the same appeal after having your heart shocked, I guess.
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Hi again, there is what they call clean keto which I'm following. I'm not up for all the nitrate type preserved foods, but eat chicken, etc. I add my fat by using the extra virgin coconut oil, olive oil and a good butter. Not trying to convince you but for sure the salt needs to upped and water. I've had heart irregularities in the past and reading your post made me do some research on how important it is to keep the electrolytes in check. I'll be awfully careful now, so thank you!