Atrial Fibrillation

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Atrial fibrillation is a condition that causes the atria (top chambers of the heart) to shake or quiver. Normally, there is 1 contraction for every heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation causes more than 1 contraction for every heartbeat. Less blood is pushed into the lower chambers. The heart may not be able to fill with enough blood to provide good circulation with every heartbeat. Your atrial fibrillation may come and go, last for only a short time, or be a long-term condition.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Antiarrhythmias: These help slow your heartbeat and make it more normal.
  
  
• Beta blockers: These help keep your heartbeat in a regular rhythm.
  
  
• Calcium channel blockers: These help slow your heartbeat.
  
  
• Blood thinners: These help prevent blood clots. Clots can lead to stroke, heart attack, and death. Aspirin is a type of blood thinner. You may need to take an aspirin each day to help prevent blood clots. Do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead. Do not take more or less aspirin than caregivers say to take. If you are on other blood thinner medicine, ask your primary healthcare provider before you take aspirin for any reason.
  
  
• Electrolytes: You may be given electrolytes in the hospital if an electrolyte imbalance caused your atrial fibrillation.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You are short of breath, even at rest.
  
  
• You have new or worsening swelling in your feet or ankles.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have pain, pressure, or fullness in your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or returns.
  
  
• You have pain or discomfort in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm.
  
  
• You have an upset stomach.
  
  
• You have a sudden cold sweat.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and are short of breath. You have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You cough up blood.
  
  
• You have a painful red lump in your arm or leg.
  
  
• You have weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face.
  
  
• You are confused or have problems speaking or understanding speech.
  
  
• You have a severe headache or feel dizzy.
  
  
• You have vision changes or loss of vision.

Learn more about Atrial Fibrillation (Aftercare Instructions)