Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia.It is marked by rapid heartbeats.It is caused when the upper chambers of the heart beat too fast and cause the lower chambers to pump the blood less effectively.There is a 25% lifetime risk of this condition for people over 40 and 2.2 million cases in America alone.There is a strong association with other forms of heart disease, such as blocked coronary arteries, diabetes, heart failure, and high blood pressure.There are ways that you can live your life even if you have been diagnosed with a problem.
Step 1: Things should be made easier.
There are things that you can do to make dealing with AF easier.These are the habits that should be followed every day.Taking all medications as prescribed.Unless your healthcare provider says otherwise, you should continue to take your prescription medication.Discuss medicine-caused side effects with your healthcare provider.If you have an artificial pacemaker, you should monitor your pulse daily.Keeping a record of your pulse along with the day and time was taken and notes about how you felt at the time.
Step 2: Avoid harmful substances.
Some substances can make your irregular heartbeat worse.Cold and cough medications, Psychotropic drugs used to treat certain mental illnesses, and Caffeine Tobacco Alcohol are substances that can increase your blood pressure.
Step 3: You can manage your stress.
If you have high stress levels, your blood pressure can go up.The constriction of your blood vessels is caused by high stress levels.Take breaks throughout the day, practice yoga, and meditate to reduce stress levels.
Step 4: A heart-healthy diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
Your diet can be tailored to the underlying cause and prevention of AF, as well as to lower the risk of stroke and heart attack, if you choose to.A diet that reduces the conditions that can make you worse can be created.Eat more vegetables and fruit, avoid large portion sizes, and eat whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates, which include white breads, white rice, pastries and dessert cakes.A diet that is low in refined sugars can help to reduce your blood sugar levels.A diet that is low in fat can help to reduce your cholesterol, which contributes to heart issues.It is possible to reduce your risk of heart issues by eating a diet that is low in salt.
Step 5: You can quit smoking.
Atrial fibrillation can be caused by nicotine.Tobacco smoke can cause constriction of your blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure and make your AF worse.Nicotine can cause damage to your heart and decrease the amount of oxygen in your blood.It can lead to other heart problems.Talk to your doctor if you are having a hard time quitting.People trying to quit smoking can join a support group.
Step 6: It's a good idea to exercise regularly.
Like any other muscle, your heart needs to be worked on.Cardiovascular exercises will help you work out your heart and reduce your risk of heart diseases.Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week for a total of 150 minutes or more of vigorous exercise.You should include two to three days of strength training.Light cardio exercises can help you get your blood pumping.Fast paced walking, light jogging, casual cycling, and light swimming are some of the light cardio exercises that work well.When you get stronger, increase how long you work out.Once you get used to light cardio, start with moderate to intense cardio.Ask your doctor if you can do certain exercises with your heart issues.
Step 7: Take your medications.
There are guidelines and treatments for the condition.The control of your heart rate is one of the main factors to be considered.Your doctor will make a decision on the class of medication and individual dose based on a full physical workup.There are four classes of medications that slow the heart rate for atrial fibrillation.The heart rate is slowed by nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers.Without increasing the length of contraction, digoxin increases the intensity of heart muscle contraction.The heart contraction is caused by Amiodarone.
Step 8: High blood pressure can be reduced.
There are other medical conditions that can make your AF less manageable.If managed correctly, AF is not a serious problem.The increased risk for stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrest is the problem.One of the most common risk factors for stroke is high blood pressure.If you want to reduce your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about taking certain medications.
Step 9: Control your cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol can lead to plaque deposits that can cause a heart attack.You can control your cholesterol with diet and medication.You should aim for a total cholesterol level of less than 200, an HDL level higher than 40, and a LDL level lower than 100.Creating a cholesterol-conscious lifestyle includes eating low-fat foods and avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat.
Step 10: There is a fight to combat obesity.
Obesity and an increased body mass can put strain on your heart.The excess weight causes your heart to work harder to pump blood.You can lose excess weight by creating a healthy diet for yourself with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.You can lose weight by exercising and eating a healthy diet.If you are obese, you need to lose 7 to 10% of your body weight.The amount of weight to lose depends on a number of factors.
Step 11: Take your medication.
Antiarrhythmics and anticoagulants are used to treat the disease.Antiarrhythmics change the amount of electrolytes in your heart.Anticoagulants make the formation of a clot less likely.Discuss the possible side effects of these medications with your doctor.Antiarrhythmics include calcium channel blockers, such as Diltiazem and verapamil.aspirin and warfarin are examples of anticoagulants.
Step 12: Receive electrical impulses.
The electrical currents that travel through your heart control your heartbeat.An electrical shock is delivered to your chest to reset your heart rhythm.You don't feel the shock while this is done.It may take more than one shock to restore a regular heartbeat.There is a chance for the shock to loosen a blood clot in your left atrium if you take an anti-coagulant two to three weeks before the procedure.It can cause a stroke if the clot travels to your brain.The risk of this happening will be decreased if you take a blood-thinner before the procedure.The procedure is usually done in 30 minutes.
Step 13: Talk to your doctor about catheters.
radiofrequency energy is used to destroy the tissue that is causing the irregular beating of your heart.After medication has failed, this is usually done.The doctor will insert a tube through a small incision near your groin and use catheters to painlessly send radiofrequency energy to the tissue.The procedure takes two to four hours and is considered low-risk.You should not drink or drive for 24 hours after the procedure.Follow your surgeon's instructions for avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for three days.
Step 14: Discuss other options with your doctor.
In some cases, it may be necessary to implant a pacemaker or an open-heart maze procedure.A pacemaker is an electrical device that is placed near the collarbone.An electrical signal is used to keep your heartbeat regular.An open-heart maze procedure involves a surgeon making a series of small cuts in the upper part of your heart and stitching them together.This forms scar tissue that affects the electrical impulses.
Step 15: Understand the signs of a stroke.
A stroke is a real risk with AF because your heart is more susceptible to sending clot to your brain.The warning signs of stroke can be seen by you and your family.When you have a stroke, you may have some or all of the following signs.Even if they go away, don't ignore the warning signs.You should seek immediate medical care.There are a number of signs of a stroke, including numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side.
Step 16: Look for signs of a heart attack.
It is important to know what symptoms to look for because of the increased chance of having a heart attack.If you experience chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, or if it goes away and comes back, you should go to the hospital.
Step 17: You should be prepared for a medical emergency.
It is always important to be prepared for a worst case scenario.There are many things you can do to make sure you are ready for a life-threatening situation.Keeping a list of emergency phone numbers with you at all times, wearing a medical bracelet, and planning in advance the route to the nearest hospital are some of the ways that you can prepare.
Step 18: You should be aware of the challenges.
There are factors that make you susceptible to the disease.Knowing these factors can help you.Knowing what risk factors can help you prepare for them, and will help when you come up with a management plan with your doctor.Increasing age is included.As you get older, the risk of stroke and heart attack increases.There is a gender.Men are more likely to develop medical conditions caused by AF.Heredity.People with close blood relations have a higher risk of having a stroke.There is a history of heart problems.If you have had a stroke or heart attack, you are more likely to have a heart problem.
Step 19: Understand the effects.
Irregular heart rhythms can cause pooling of blood in the heart, which can lead to clot formation.They can block blood flow and cause a stroke if they travel to the brain.It causes the heart to beat irregularly and can lead to heart failure.Poor circulation of blood throughout the body can result in heart failure if the heart muscle becomes weak over time.
Step 20: You should get a diagnostic test.
Your doctor may choose to routinely monitor your condition through a variety of tests that will provide a clearer picture or you condition.The diagnostic test for atrial fibrillation may be included in these tests.Your doctor will be able to look at your heartbeat and figure out what's going on.elevated levels of TSH can cause your heart rate to rise.The lab tests work for the proper functioning and timing of your heart muscle.Imbalances can have a negative effect on your heart.The quality of your blood composition affects your heart's ability to pump blood.If cardiopulmonary disease is suspected, a chest X-ray can be used.This will allow the doctor to see what's wrong with your heart.