What is Atrial Fibrillation? 

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart ailment characterized by an erratic and often abnormally rapid heart rhythm associated with a substantial morbidity risk. It is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in adults with frequency increasing with age. Therefore, strategies are required to reduce AFib risk before it’s too late.

Know that when you're resting, your heart rate should be regular and between 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation

In 2016, 46.2 million people worldwide are being affected by AFib, representing a 33% increase in the last 20 years which is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, including thromboembolic stroke and congestive heart failure, even in patients with no prior cardiovascular disease. 

According to an observational study, atrial fibrillation was the cause of more than 6.7% of acute hospitalizations in Pakistan. It is assumed that the absolute burden of atrial fibrillation could increase by more than 60% by 2050.

Symptoms 

The heart rate in AFib is chaotic and can sometimes be exceedingly fast. In rare circumstances, it might be much greater than 100 beats per minute.

Atrial Fibrillation symptoms range from completely asymptomatic to a wide range of symptoms and signs such as:

• shortness of breath
• anxiety
• dizziness
• vision impairment
• chest pain
• excessive sweating

Importance of Vitamin D3 in Atrial Fibrillation 

Recent research has strongly connected vitamin D deficiency to cardiovascular disease. Aside from its involvement in calcium and bone homeostasis, vitamin D has an impact on the physiological processes of many tissues and organs, including the heart, through nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) activation and transcriptional regulation of many genes. VDRs were discovered in cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, the two types of cells involved in heart remodeling.

Several studies have revealed that vitamin D has antioxidant capabilities, that counter AFib-related mechanisms like catecholamine excess, renin-angiotensin system activation, and electrical anomalies, and also inhibit various other inflammatory processes.

Effects of Vitamin D3 Deficiency

Vitamin D insufficiency affects more than 20% of the world's population, and the primary causes include inadequate consumption, poor absorption, aberrant metabolism, or resistance to its effects.

A large number of studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular risks, such as cardiac arrhythmias and imply that a lack of vitamin D increases the incidence of atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death.

Vitamin D insufficiency has also been linked to the pathophysiology of obesity, hypertension, heart failure, coronary heart disease, cancer, and even Covid-19 in recent research. 

Therefore, it is of utmost importance to keep vitamin D3 levels optimal throughout your lifetime by adding high-quality supplements.

A high dose of Vitamin D3 reduces the risk of Atrial Fibrillation

According to recent research, a 5-year trial was conducted to study the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). 

Participants were randomly assigned to either 1,600 IU/d vitamin D3, 3,200 IU/d vitamin D3, or a placebo.

When compared to the placebo arm, the risk of Atrial Fibrillation was 27% lower in the 1,600 IU/d vitamin D3 group and 32% lower in the 3,200 IU/d vitamin D3 group. 

The risk was reduced by 30% in the combined vitamin D arms compared to the placebo arm.

Conclusion

Vitamin D has been demonstrated to influence the atrial shape and electrical function of the heart, implying that it could prevent atrial fibrillation.

Taking high-dose vitamin D3 treatment may lower the prevalence of AFib in a healthy, vitamin D-sufficient elderly population. 

Maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels through sunlight, diet, or supplementation appears to be beneficial for heart health.

Where you can find the best Vitamin D3 supplements in Pakistan?

Including high-quality supplements, such as Scotmann SunnyD Vitamin D3 and SunnyD PRO, in your daily routine may assist you in reducing the risk of Atrial Fibrillation. Scotmann’s SunnyD and SunnyD PRO are popular brands of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 that are available in a variety of dosage forms and strengths according to your needs throughout Pakistan. By visiting d-dukaan.com , you can easily order yours and arrange for home delivery.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements to find the best solution for your specific circumstances. Discontinue if you are allergic to any of the content of the product.