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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

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 blood clots from forming. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Blood thinners make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you are taking a blood thinner:
  
  
  • 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 on your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports, such as football.
    
    
  • Be aware of what medicines you take. Many medicines cannot be used when taking medicine to thin your blood. Tell your dentist and other caregivers that you take blood-thinning medicine. Wear or carry medical alert information that says you are taking this medicine.
    
    
  • Take this medicine exactly as your caregiver tells you. Tell your caregiver right away if you forget to take the medicine, or if you take too much. You may need to have regular blood tests while on this medicine. Your caregiver uses these tests to decide how much medicine is right for you.
    
    
  • Talk to your caregiver about your diet. This medicine works best when you eat about the same amount of vitamin K every day. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables and other foods, such as cooked peas and kiwifruit.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Activity:

• Exercise: Exercise makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and helps keep you healthy. Begin to exercise slowly and do more as you get stronger. Talk with your primary healthcare provider before you start an exercise program.
  
  
• 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.

How can I live a healthy lifestyle?

• If you have other illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure, you need to control them. Take medicines as directed.
  
  
• Diet:
  
  
  • Weighing too much can make your heart work harder and can cause serious health problems. Talk to your caregiver about a weight loss plan if you are overweight.
    
    
  • Eat healthy foods from all of the 5 food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy.
    
    
  • Ask your caregiver if you should be on a special diet. You may be told to eat foods that are low in fat or cholesterol. You may also be told to limit the amount of salt you eat. Avoid foods and drinks that are high in sodium (salt). These include smoked meats (such as ham and bacon), cheese, canned and frozen foods, and butter and margarine. Read all labels carefully. Do not add salt to your food. Learn to use fresh herbs, spices, or salt substitutes to add flavor to your food. Special cookbooks can make it easier to plan low fat and low salt meals.
  
  
• Do not smoke: Smoking causes lung cancer and other long-term lung diseases. It increases your risk of many cancer types. Smoking also increases your risk of blood vessel disease, heart attack, and vision disorders. Not smoking may help prevent such symptoms as headaches and dizziness for yourself and those around you. Smokers have shorter lifespans than nonsmokers.
  
  
• Manage your stress: Stress may slow healing and lead to illness. Learn ways to control stress, such as relaxation, deep breathing, and music. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

For more information:

Contact the following organizations for more information about atrial fibrillation:

• 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:

If you have any of the following symptoms, Call 9-1-1 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!

• 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.

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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.

Learn more about Atrial Fibrillation (Discharge Care)