September is National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month: “Life isn’t measured in minutes, but in heartbeats.” ~Joan Lowery Nixon
According to the National Council on Aging, adults older than 65 have the highest risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib). If left untreated, AFib can increase one’s risk of having a stroke by 500%. Untreated AFib can also double one’s chance of heart-related death.
September is National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. Here’s what the American Heart Association wants you to know about the disease, as well as a few lifestyle tips to help those living with AFib manage everyday life.
What is AFib?
AFib is a dangerous heart condition that involves an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. As this happens, the risk for stroke, heart failure, or other heart-related conditions increases. AFib is a condition that can come and go, or it could become a permanent medical condition, where the abnormal heart rhythm cannot be repaired.
Who is most at risk for AFib?
As mentioned above, older adults are most at risk for AFib. But the American Heart Association wants everyone to know that AFib can happen to anyone.
What are the symptoms of AFib?
The three most common symptoms of AFib include an unexplained rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. Other symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, overall weakness, chest pain, or a reduced ability to exercise. What’s scary about AFib is that someone could have it and experience no symptoms. AFib is generally detected by an electrocardiogram.
What other factors contribute to developing AFib?
Other medical factors that can contribute to AFib include high blood pressure, a previous heart attack or heart surgery, congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, lung diseases, viral infections, sleep apnea, or diabetes. Lifestyle contributing factors include drinking excessive alcohol, smoking, and obesity.
Is AFib preventable?
The good news about AFib is that most cases are completely preventable. Eating a healthy diet, participating in regular exercise, keeping blood pressure under control through proper stress management, and maintaining an ideal body weight prevent the likelihood of experiencing AFib. Other ways to prevent AFib include removing processed foods from your diet and eating a pescatarian diet (adding fish and seafoods to a vegetarian diet).
How do I manage life while living with AFib?
If you’ve been diagnosed with AFib, it’s important that you follow your health care provider’s plan of treatment. This could include making lifestyle changes to manage the disease or taking prescription medications to help prevent blood clots that can cause a stroke. It’s critical that you take your medication as prescribed and continue with your medication regimen, unless your doctor makes changes.
You also need to have a conversation with your health care provider about your risk for stroke. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid common triggers, such as energy drinks, excessive alcohol, or stress, and recommend that you prioritize quality sleep. Although AFib increases the risk for stroke by 500%, it’s good to know that those living with AFib can enjoy a long, active life as long as they follow their treatment plan.
If you are an older adult living with AFib, know that Visiting Angels Fond du Lac is here to support you. We provide a variety of senior home care services that help older adults function independently and safely in the comfort of their own home. Our compassionate caregivers can assist with meal planning and preparation, guiding you as you remove processed foods from your diet. In addition to basic housekeeping, laundry, and grooming assistance, our caregivers offer companionship, which is a vital component of stress management. Let us relieve some of your stress and anxiety and help you cope as you work toward managing your AFib. For a free consultation or to learn more about us, please contact us today by calling 920-375-5555.