WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat. It reduces your heart's ability to pump blood through your body, which means you do not get enough oxygen. Atrial fibrillation may come and go, or it may be a long-term condition. It is important to treat and manage atrial fibrillation to help prevent a blood clot or stroke. What increases my risk for atrial fibrillation? - High blood pressure
- Age 65 years or older
- Heart failure, heart surgery, or other heart conditions
- COPD, sleep apnea, blood clots in your lung, or other lung diseases
- Diabetes, obesity, or thyroid disease
- Heavy alcohol use
What are the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation? - Pounding, racing, or fluttering heartbeat
- Weakness or tiredness
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask when your symptoms began and if you noticed anything that triggered them. He will measure your heart rate. Tell him what health conditions you have and what medicines you take. He will ask if you drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or use any illegal drugs. You may need any of the following tests: - An EKG records your heart rhythm and how fast your heart beats. You may also need to wear a Holter monitor while you do your usual activities. The Holter monitor is a portable EKG machine.
- Blood and urine tests check for infection, potassium and calcium levels, and thyroid function.
- A chest x-ray shows the structure of your heart and lungs. It may show if another condition is causing your symptoms.
- An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound. Sound waves are used to show the structure and function of your heart.
How is atrial fibrillation treated? - Heart medicines help control your heart rate and rhythm. You may need more than one medicine to treat your symptoms.
- Cardioversion is a procedure to return your heart rate and rhythm to normal. It can be done using medicines or electric shock.
- Blood thinners
help prevent blood clots. Examples of blood thinners include heparin and warfarin. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner: - Watch for bleeding and bruising while you take blood thinners. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take anticoagulants. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Tell your healthcare provider right away if you forget to take the medicine, or if you take too much.
- Warfarin is a blood thinner that you may need to take. The following are things you should be aware of if you take warfarin.
- Foods and medicines can affect the amount of warfarin in your blood. Do not make major changes to your diet while you take warfarin. Warfarin works best when you eat about the same amount of vitamin K every day. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables and certain other foods. Ask for more information about what to eat when you are taking warfarin.
- You will need to see your healthcare provider for follow-up visits when you are on warfarin. You will need regular blood tests. These tests are used to decide how much medicine you need.
- Antiplatelets, such as aspirin, help prevent blood clots. Take your antiplatelet medicine exactly as directed. These medicines make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you are told to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead.
How can I manage atrial fibrillation? - Know your target heart rate. Learn how to take your pulse and monitor your heart rate.
- Control your blood pressure. Take blood pressure medicine as directed. Get 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.
- Limit alcohol. Women should limit alcohol to 1 drink a day. Men should limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart and lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Eat heart-healthy foods. These include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Replace butter and margarine with heart-healthy oils such as olive oil and canola oil.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider how much you should weigh. Ask him to help you create a weight loss plan if you are overweight.
Call 911 for any of the following: - You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest that lasts longer than 5 minutes or returns
- Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat, especially with chest pain or trouble breathing
- You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
- Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
When should I seek immediate care? You have any of the following signs of a blood clot: - You feel lightheaded, are short of breath, and have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
- You have swelling, redness, pain, or warmth in your arm or leg.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - Your target heart rate is not in the range it should be.
- You have new or worsening swelling in your legs, feet, ankles, or abdomen.
- You are short of breath, even at rest.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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