Atrial Fibrillation

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Atrial (A-tre-al) fibrillation (fib-ri-LAY-shun) is an arrhythmia (ah-RITH-mee-ah) where the top chambers of the heart do not beat normally. This causes a heartbeat that is not regular and may be too fast or too slow. It also may cause the heart to pump blood less effectively and blood to pool in the heart. This may result in blood clots that can cause a stroke or other problems. Your atrial fibrillation may come and go, last for only a short time, or be a life-long condition. Atrial fibrillation is a serious condition, but many problems may be avoided with treatment.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the dose, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
  
  
• Blood thinners: Blood thinners are medicines that help prevent clots from forming in the blood. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Blood thinners may cause you to bleed or bruise more easily. Do the following if you are taking a blood thinner:
  
  
  • Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose, or in your urine or BMs.
    
    
  • Use a soft washcloth on your skin and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. Doing this can keep your skin and gums from bleeding.
    
    
  • Tell your dentist before dental cleanings, and other caregivers before other procedures, that you take blood thinning medicine.
    
    
  • If you shave, use an electric shaver.
    
    
  • Do not play contact sports since you may bleed or bruise easily.
    
    
  • Wear a MedicAlert bracelet or necklace that says you are taking a blood thinner medicine. You may get one from your local drugstore or contact the MedicAlert Foundation.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Activity:

• Exercise: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and keeps you healthy.
  
  
• You may have sex when you feel ready, unless your caregiver tells you not to. Do not have sex if you are tired or if you have just eaten a big meal. You should not have sex if you have been drinking or if you are angry with your mate. Do not have sex if the room temperature is too cold or too hot. If you get chest pain during sex, stop. Talk to your caregiver if you have questions or concerns.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness later. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, relaxing muscles, music, or biofeedback. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

For more information: For more information about atrial fibrillation, call the following organizations:

• American Heart Association National Center
  7272 Greenville Avenue
  Dallas, TX 75231-4596
  Phone: 1-800-242-8721
  Web Address: http://www.americanheart.org
  

• Heart Rhythm Society
  1400 K Street NW, Ste 500
  Washington, DC 20005
  Phone: 1-202-464-3400
  Web Address: www.hrsonline.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You are dizzy or nauseated (upset stomach) after taking your medicine.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing while resting.
  
  
• You have new or worsening swelling in your feet or ankles.
  
  
• You are bleeding from your gums or nose, or have blood in your urine or BMs.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your illness or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You faint (pass out) or feel like fainting.
  
  
• You feel dizzy, have numbness or weakness of your face or limbs, or have trouble seeing or speaking.
  
  
• You have signs of a heart attack:
  
  
  • Chest pain or discomfort that spreads to your arms, jaw, or back.
    
    
  • Unusual, sudden back pain.
    
    
  • Nausea (sick to your stomach).
    
    
  • Trouble breathing.
    
    
  • Sweating.
    
    
  • Lips or nailbeds that turn blue or white in color.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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