Can lack of nutrition cause AFib? Exploring the heart-diet connection

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent research published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders highlighted a significant prevalence of malnutrition and anemia among individuals with Atrial Fibrillation. This raises a critical question: can lack of nutrition cause AFib, and what specific dietary factors play a role in this complex relationship?

Quick Summary

AFib risk is strongly influenced by diet, with deficiencies in electrolytes and specific vitamins potentially contributing to irregular heart rhythms. Poor eating habits can increase inflammation and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Key Points

Electrolyte Imbalances: Deficiencies in crucial electrolytes like potassium and magnesium can disrupt the heart's electrical signals, directly contributing to the risk of AFib.
Systemic Inflammation: A diet poor in nutrients and high in inflammatory foods can cause systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which are underlying mechanisms that promote AFib.
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Risk: Some studies show that very low-carbohydrate diets may increase AFib risk, potentially due to reduced intake of anti-inflammatory plant foods and increased oxidative stress.
Overall Malnutrition: General nutritional deficits, even without severe deficiency, are independently associated with a higher prevalence of AFib and worse outcomes.
Dietary Management is Crucial: A heart-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, is a key, modifiable component of AFib management that addresses core risk factors such as high blood pressure and obesity.
Importance of Healthy Fats: Incorporating healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish, can help reduce inflammation linked to AFib.
Beware of Triggers: Excessive alcohol, caffeine, and high sodium intake are common dietary triggers that should be monitored, particularly for individuals with a history of AFib.

The role of essential nutrients and electrolytes

The heart's electrical system, which dictates its rhythm, is highly dependent on the precise balance of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. When levels of these vital minerals are imbalanced due to inadequate dietary intake, it can disrupt normal electrical conduction and increase the risk of arrhythmias, including Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).

Potassium and magnesium deficiencies

Clinical studies have established a strong link between low serum potassium (hypokalemia) and a higher risk of AFib. Potassium is critical for the heart muscle's repolarization phase, helping it return to a resting state after each beat. Hypokalemia can increase the heart's electrical instability, predisposing individuals to irregular heart rhythms. Similarly, magnesium plays a crucial modulatory role, stabilizing heart rhythm and protecting against arrhythmogenic conditions. While more research is needed, evidence suggests that genetically higher serum magnesium levels may be linked to a reduced risk of AFib. Both minerals are most effectively obtained through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Vitamin D and iron levels

Beyond electrolytes, other micronutrients are implicated in heart health. Research on vitamin D deficiency and its connection to AFib has yielded mixed results, but some studies point to an association. Vitamin D plays a role in regulating the immune system, managing inflammation, and affecting blood pressure, all of which are risk factors for AFib. Additionally, studies have explored the link between anemia, often caused by iron deficiency, and AFib. Anemia can lead to increased cardiac workload and hypertrophy, which may predispose individuals to AFib.

General malnutrition and poor diet

An overall state of malnutrition, even without a specific deficiency, is associated with a higher prevalence and increased risk of AFib. A diet lacking in essential nutrients can lead to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to create a favorable environment for arrhythmia development. Popular dietary trends can also pose risks. For instance, a low-carbohydrate diet, which often involves reducing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, has been associated with an increased risk of AFib. This may be due to reduced intake of anti-inflammatory foods and a higher intake of fat and protein, which can lead to oxidative stress.

Protective dietary patterns

In contrast to the risks posed by nutritional deficits and poor eating habits, certain dietary patterns have been shown to protect against AFib by addressing underlying risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and inflammation.

Heart-healthy food choices

A balanced diet rich in whole foods is highly recommended. Examples include:

Fruits and vegetables: Focus on a variety of colors to get a broad range of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Whole grains: Opt for unprocessed sources like oats, quinoa, and brown rice.
Lean proteins: Incorporate fish, poultry, beans, and lentils.
Healthy fats: Choose sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

Limiting inflammatory and trigger foods

To complement a heart-healthy diet, it is important to limit foods that can trigger AFib episodes or increase inflammation. These include:

Refined carbohydrates and added sugars found in pastries, sugary cereals, and sweetened drinks.
Excessive sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Trans fats and excessive saturated fats from processed and fatty meats.
Alcohol and caffeine can act as triggers for some individuals with AFib.

The comprehensive approach to AFib management

Dietary management is a crucial pillar of AFib care, working alongside other lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, managing stress, and treating conditions like sleep apnea and high blood pressure. A comprehensive approach addresses the root causes and underlying conditions that can create or perpetuate the electrical abnormalities in the heart.

The importance of individualized care

While general guidelines for heart-healthy eating are beneficial for most, AFib management should be personalized based on an individual's overall health, severity of the arrhythmia, and other underlying conditions. For instance, patients taking the blood thinner warfarin must regulate their intake of foods high in vitamin K to ensure the medication's consistent effectiveness.

Comparison of dietary effects on AFib risk


Dietary Factor	Effect on AFib Risk	Underlying Mechanism
Potassium & Magnesium Deficiency	Increases Risk	Disrupts the heart's electrical stability and normal rhythm.
Low-Carbohydrate Diets	Increases Risk	Reduces intake of anti-inflammatory foods, increases oxidative stress, and alters electrical properties.
High Sodium Intake	Increases Risk	Contributes to high blood pressure, a major AFib risk factor.
Mediterranean Diet	Decreases Risk	Reduces inflammation, blood pressure, and obesity, thereby lowering overall heart disease risk.
Excessive Alcohol	Increases Risk	Can directly trigger AFib episodes and contribute to hypertension.
Anemia & Iron Deficiency	Increases Risk	Increases cardiac workload and remodels the heart, leading to adverse outcomes.

Conclusion: Can lack of nutrition cause AFib?

While AFib is a multifactorial condition, extensive research confirms that poor nutrition and specific dietary deficiencies can act as significant risk factors and triggers. Inadequate intake of key electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, along with an overall malnourished state, disrupts the heart's electrical stability. Furthermore, inflammatory diets high in processed foods and certain restrictive diets can foster conditions that predispose individuals to AFib. The evidence is clear: diet is a powerful, modifiable factor in the prevention and management of AFib. Adopting a heart-healthy, balanced eating pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet, can help mitigate risks and improve outcomes for those with or at risk of AFib, complementing medical treatments and other lifestyle changes. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

For more information on the causes and risks of Atrial Fibrillation, you can visit the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Frequently Asked Questions

Deficiencies in key electrolytes like potassium and magnesium are strongly linked to AFib, as they are crucial for maintaining a stable heart rhythm. Additionally, some evidence suggests a correlation with low vitamin D and iron levels.

Yes, some research indicates that low-carbohydrate diets are associated with an increased risk of AFib. This may be due to reduced intake of protective nutrients from fruits and vegetables, leading to more inflammation and oxidative stress.

Yes, systemic inflammation caused by an unhealthy diet (high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats) is a recognized risk factor. Inflammation can contribute to the electrical and structural changes in the heart that lead to AFib.

A heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is often recommended. This eating pattern emphasizes whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods, excessive sodium, and refined sugars.

Electrolytes carry the electrical charge necessary for the heart's function. Potassium is vital for the heart's repolarization, while magnesium helps modulate ion channels. Deficiencies can disrupt this electrical balance, causing instability that triggers AFib.

Before taking any supplements, you should consult with your healthcare provider. While deficiencies can be a factor, it is generally best to get these nutrients from food unless advised otherwise. Excessive supplementation can also cause heart rhythm problems.

Yes, excessive alcohol consumption, including binge drinking, is a known trigger for AFib episodes. Chronic alcohol use and even moderate intake in some individuals can increase the risk by disrupting heart rhythm and increasing blood pressure.