Fall and Winter Warning: Fireplace Use May Trigger A-Fib
Fall and Winter brings use of many a fireplace and a reminder for those with A-Fib. The tiny particles generated when you burn wood can inflame and damage blood vessels and may trigger arrhythmias, according to Dr. Robert A. Kloner. If you have A-Fib you may want to avoid wood-burning fireplaces and stoves.
In general you may want to also avoid campfires, bonfires, trash or leaf burning, etc.
If you live in communities with a lot of wood-burning stoves, you may want to use a HEPA air purifier in your home. If you are a guest and can’t avoid a wood-burning fireplace, sit as far away as possible or wear a face mask like your dentist wears (mine gave me a bunch for free). If you have a fireplace, consider installing an electric or other non-wood burning insert.
Reference: Kloner, Robert A. ‘Tis the Season…For Heart Attacks. Bottom Line Health, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2014.