When you’re diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, it’s important not only to get your heartbeat back to its proper rhythm, but also to prevent a stroke. Sufferers need to rethink certain foods and medications that used to be harmless but now may pose a risk to your health. The U.S. website “Everyday Health” recently summarized seven hidden risks for patients with atrial fibrillation. 1. Caffeine can trigger atrial fibrillation. Drinking a cup of coffee can help you stay awake, but too much caffeine can be a trigger for atrial fibrillation, causing frequent episodes of irregular heartbeat. The same consequences are seen in caffeine pills, energy drinks and other caffeine-containing substances. 2, Alcohol can cause cardiac toxicity. Always think twice before drinking alcohol. Alcohol and atrial fibrillation are a dangerous combination. Excessive alcohol can have a calming effect on the brain, but it can have a stimulating and exciting effect on the heart, aggravating or causing atrial fibrillation episodes. Alcohol can also be directly toxic to the heart muscle. 3. Medications for colds and allergies can trigger atrial fibrillation. Medications for colds and allergies and atrial fibrillation do not mix. Be extra cautious when taking these types of medications as they can cause frequent episodes of irregular heartbeat. All medications that try to reduce secretions or dilate the airways can cause direct irritation to the heart. Therefore, patients with atrial fibrillation should consult their doctor before taking any medication. 4, Green leafy vegetables affect blood clotting. Who would have thought that vegetables are still harmful? But it turns out that some vegetables are indeed dangerous if you have atrial fibrillation. If patients with atrial fibrillation are taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin) to prevent stroke, they should strictly control their intake of certain leafy greens (such as spinach and kale) because they contain high levels of vitamin K. Vitamin K counteracts the effects of anticoagulants, posing a danger to patients with atrial fibrillation. 5. Beware of certain vitamins and herbal supplements. Although over-the-counter nutritional supplements are often considered harmless, some of them can affect atrial fibrillation. Vitamin E, for example, has anticoagulant activity, so be sure to consult your doctor if you’re taking anticoagulants. 6, Extreme exercise puts stress on the heart. For most people with atrial fibrillation, moderate exercise doesn’t cause problems, but rather benefits them by controlling their weight and improving their mood. Excessive exercise, however, can trigger an atrial fibrillation attack. Cardiologists are against excessive exercise for people with atrial fibrillation, and if you notice irregular heart rhythms during or after a workout, be sure to tell your doctor to prevent a healthful workout from turning into a risk factor for atrial fibrillation. 7, Stress, anxiety and depression can weigh on the heart. Emotions can play a role in the onset of atrial fibrillation. People with atrial fibrillation who have severe symptoms of anxiety and depression have more episodes of atrial fibrillation than those with less severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. To reduce stress and lower the risk of AF episodes, patients should pay close attention to their mood and schedule more relaxing activities to reduce their emotional load.