National Atrial Fibrillation Month: A Brief Overview of A-fib for Seniors
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition in which the heart rhythm becomes irregular and often rapid, leading to blood clots in the heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of AF increases with age. Most individuals with AF are between the ages of 65 and 85. Although the risk for AF appears to decline after age 80, it is still a serious condition that older adults should be aware of and talk about with their doctor.
National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month is recognized in September. Below is a brief overview of AF for seniors and their families to learn more about the condition and how to manage it.
Risk Factors for AF
As mentioned above, the risk factor for AF increases with age. Older adults are most at risk for AF. Less than two percent of adults between the ages of 50 and 59 are diagnosed with AF. Approximately 70 percent of older adults diagnosed with AF are between the ages of 65 and 85 years. Individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, and other chronic health conditions have a higher risk for AF. Other risk factors for AF include obesity, excessive drinking, thyroid disease, and a family history of AF.
Common Symptoms of AF
The three most common symptoms of AF 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. It’s not uncommon for someone to have AF and experience no symptoms whatsoever. The condition is usually detected by an electrocardiogram.
Steps to Prevent AF
Fortunately, most cases of AF are completely preventable. Older adults who consume a healthy diet and exercise regularly decrease their risk of AF. One study found that consistent aerobic activity effectively reduces the risk of AF and improves AF-related symptoms and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with AF. Other steps older adults can take to prevent AF are monitoring their blood pressure, managing stress, eating fewer processed foods, and eating more seafood instead of red meats.
Tips to Improve Quality of Life for Individuals Diagnosed with AF
AF is a chronic condition that can be progressive. It increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart conditions. There is currently no cure for AF. However, older adults diagnosed with AF can improve their quality of life and reduce symptoms of AF. Start by following your doctor’s plan of treatment. Take prescription medications as directed to help prevent blood clots that cause a stroke. Talk with your doctor about your risk for stroke and ask about common triggers that you should avoid, such as energy drinks, excessive alcohol, caffeine, and stress.
Other tips to help older adults manage AF include prioritizing a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep. Eating a consistently healthy diet and monitoring your caloric intake, combined with 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week, can significantly improve your health. Aim to get between 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Visiting Angels Richmond is here to support older adults diagnosed with AF. We offer a variety of at-home care services so that seniors living in Richmond, Glen Allen, Mechanicsville, and surrounding areas in Virginia can receive the care they need in their own homes. Our main goal is to make aging in place a positive experience. We achieve this by letting you choose your caregiver and by scheduling care around your daily routine. Our compassionate and professional caregivers can help you improve your quality of life by assisting with meal planning and preparation or by escorting you on a walk. They also provide companionship, which is a vital component of stress management. We take the stress out of starting at-home care. To learn more about us, please contact us today by calling 804-353-0000.