ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
PROBLEM
Atrial fibrillation is the condition that causes the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) to beat faster and irregularly (also called fibrillation). The upper chambers of the heart do not beat at the same time as the lower chambers (the ventricles). When atrial fibrillation occurs, blood clots can form in the heart and then travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
CAUSES
Atrial fibrillation is caused by a malfunction of the heart’s pacemaker. Many things can cause the heart’s pacemaker to malfunction, including excessive alcohol intake, emotional stress, physical stress, recent heart surgery, medication side effects, and a long list of medical conditions. These medical conditions include coronary artery disease, leaky heart valves, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack, thyroid disease, infections, inflammation around the heart, sleep apnea, obesity, and lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.
PREVENTION
A.Stop smoking. Discuss smoking cessation with your healthcare provider. It is never too late to stop smoking.
B.Reduce or eliminate intake of alcohol and caffeine.
C.Lose weight. Discuss losing weight with your healthcare provider.
D.Make a list of your current medical conditions and current medications. Keep an updated copy in your wallet.
E.When traveling:
1.Always travel with enough of your medication to last through your vacation plus an additional 3 days.
F.Take all of your medication as prescribed. If you become ill and are unable to take your medications, call your healthcare provider’s office.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Take your medications as ordered by your healthcare provider.
B.Effectively manage all other medical conditions, paying special attention to cholesterol, blood pressure, thyroid disease, sleep apnea, and any lung diseases.
C.Follow up with your primary healthcare provider and/or cardiologist on a regularly scheduled basis.
D.If you are on a blood thinner that requires regular blood work, make sure you get your blood checked on the schedule set by your healthcare provider.
Activity: Get regular exercise, after discussing the type and frequency of exercise that is safe for you with your healthcare provider.
Diet: Eat a balanced, low-fat, and low-salt diet in addition to dietary guidelines suggested by your healthcare provider.
Medications:
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office in Case of the Following:
A.Seek care in the emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms:
1.Palpitations or a fluttering in the chest.
2.Chest pain.
3.Weakness or extreme tiredness.
4.Shortness of breath at rest or with activity.
5.Dizziness.
6.Disorientation.
7.Confusion.
8.Passing out or losing consciousness.
9.Severe headache.
10.Frequent urination or a compelling urge to urinate.
11.Anxiety or panic symptoms.
12.Sudden weakness in an arm or leg.
13.Sudden change in vision.
14.Trouble speaking or understanding other.
15.If taking a blood thinner and have any of these symptoms:
a.Nosebleed that will not stop with pressure.
b.Coughing up blood.
B.Contact the office if you are taking a blood thinner and have any of these symptoms:
1.Vomiting or other illness that causes you to miss more than one dose of your medications.
2.Vomit that is bright red or is dark with the appearance of coffee grounds or grape jelly.
3.Blood in your bowel movements that looks black or tarry in color.
4.Heavy periods, if you are female.
C.Contact the office if you are experiencing any new symptom(s) not present your last office visit.
D.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCES
American Heart Association: www.heart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
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