Symptoms of AF can vary by individual and by the key in of disease.

Certain medications can worsen the condition or increase the risk of its onset.

Therefore, individuals with AF should be aware of which drugs to avoid or be cautious with while taking.

Close-up shot of Black man holding his hand to his chest

Getty Images /PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou

Blood thinners, for example, are commonly taken medications in the AF population.

Taking NSAIDs or aspirin with them may increase the risk of bleeding.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally considered a safer alternative for pain relief if an individual has AF.

Decongestants

Decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, are commonly found in OTC cold and flu medications.

However, they can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which may worsen AF.

For instance, Simple Saline Nasal Spray or Claritin are among the safer medications.

Certain Antibiotics

Certain types of antibiotics are capable of increasing the risk of an irregular heartbeat.

Should You Avoid Caffeine if You Have Atrial Fibrillation?

Moderatecaffeineintake does not appear to have a significant association with AF.

Consider how caffeine affects you and listen to your body.

Talk to your healthcare providers if you have questions regarding food that could potentially worsen or trigger your condition.

Levothyroxine

Higher doses of levothyroxinecan increase the risk of heart arrhythmias, such as AF.

They can work together to manage both conditions effectively.

Your team will recommend that you check your pulse daily and your thyroid function every six to eight weeks.

They may also need to adjust your thyroid medication dosage.

Zoloft (sertraline), on the other hand, is generally considered a safer option.

This is particularly true for tricyclics, which carry a higher risk of triggering arrhythmias.

Sertraline, however, is known to have a relatively low risk of these side effects.

It’s important to remember that everyone may respond to medication differently.

John’s wortand ginseng.

Summary

Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm and rapid heartbeat.

Also, avoid certain herbal supplements to prevent unwanted interactions and consider other AF triggers when managing your condition.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is atrial fibrillation?

Tamargo J, Villacastin J, Caballero R, Delpon E.Drug-induced atrial fibrillation.

A narrative review of a forgotten adverse effect.Pharmacological Research.

2021;14(6).

2020;142(15):e214-e233.

2022;14(9):e28946.

doi:10.7759/cureus.28946

Fisher KA, Patel P, Abualula S, Concepion L.St.

John’s wort-induced supraventricular tachycardia.Cureus.

2021;13(4):e14356.