High Salt Diet Linked to Irregular Heartbeat

With the holidays upon us and the busy schedules that come with this time of year, many people allow healthy eating habits to fall by the wayside. Holiday diets often include high-fat and high-salt foods, and a new study suggests a high-salt diet could raise the risk of atrial fibrillation, which is a common heart rhythm disorder.

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots or other complications. AFib affects millions of people around the world and puts these individuals at a higher risk for stroke, and in some cases, can lead to heart failure.

The study, by researchers in Finland, was published recently in the Annals of Medicine. It included more than 700 men and women who were followed for an average of 19 years. During that time, more than 10 percent of the participants were diagnosed with AFib. Those with the highest levels of salt in their diet had a higher rate of atrial fibrillation than those with the lowest salt intake. After accounting for several other risk factors -- including age, body fat, blood pressure and smoking -- the researchers found that salt consumption was independently associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation. This study did not prove that high-salt diets cause AFib, but the results do show an association between the two.

“It’s important to note that estimates suggest more than three-quarters of salt consumed is already added to processed foods,” according to Dr. Christian Machado, an electrophysiologist at Ascension Providence Hospital. "Making efforts to reduce salt intake can have a positive impact on new-onset AFib and overall cardiovascular disease, along with other health benefits.”

For more information about treatments for an irregular heartbeat at an Ascension hospital in Southeast Michigan, call 866-501-3627.