7 Mistakes People With Atrial Fibrillation Make
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Sarah Lewis, PharmD on November 16, 2022
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Be Smart When Living With AfibAtrial fibrillation, or afib, is a fact of life for millions of people. While living with afib is a daily challenge, too often patients make the condition tougher to manage with some key missteps. Avoid these common mistakes to take charge of your afib and keep symptoms under control.
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1. Not Taking Medications RegularlyPeople with afib don’t experience predictable symptoms. And sometimes symptoms come and go. This makes it tempting to skip medications, especially if they cause side effects or require lifestyle changes and frequent testing. Some afib medications help prevent blood clots, which can lead to stroke and disability or death. So it’s essential take your afib medications regularly. This includes both medicines that thin your blood and medicines that control your heart’s rate and rhythm.
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2. Not Getting Blood TestsIf you take warfarin (Coumadin) to thin your blood, you know you need to have your blood tested on a regular basis. Your doctor needs to make sure that your blood isn’t too thick or too thin. This monitoring is vital to prevent a dangerous clot or bleeding episode. If blood testing is a problem for you, talk to your doctor about newer blood thinners that don’t need the same monitoring.
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3. Ignoring the Symptoms of AfibCommon symptoms of afib include dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. People with afib may also have palpitations or a feeling of fluttering in the chest. If you’re treating your afib and have symptoms, don’t ignore them. It could be sign your treatment isn’t working as well as it should. Contact your doctor to evaluate your treatment plan.
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4. Ignoring the Symptoms of Stroke
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5. Ignoring Common Triggers of AfibAfib can be a bit unpredictable. Your medications will help, but you also need to do your part to keep it under control. This means avoiding common afib triggers, including nicotine, stress, alcohol, caffeine, and some over-the-counter medicines. These triggers affect people differently, but don’t assume they can’t affect you. Ignoring them could complicate your treatment. Talk to your doctor about these triggers and come up with a manageable plan.
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6. Not Making Lifestyle ChangesIn addition to limiting afib triggers, you can do your part by making lifestyle changes. The two big ones are diet and exercise. Exercise can help strengthen your heart, keep a healthy weight, and relieve stress. Eating a heart-healthy diet also helps reach these goals. If you’re on blood thinners, make sure you talk to your doctor about these lifestyle changes. Make one change a week—a 20-minute walk or whole grain toast for breakfast—and pretty soon you’ll realize your goal. Your healthcare team can help!
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7. Ignoring Emotional HealthIt can be emotionally difficult to have afib because of the risks and its unpredictability. Some people with afib even struggle with feelings of depression. If you find yourself losing interest in your usual activities, feeling hopeless, or having other lasting emotional problems, seek help. Ignoring signs of emotional stress may prolong your difficulties. Talk to your doctor or find a qualified counselor to help you work through your emotions.
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Living a Full Life With AfibLiving with afib can be a challenge—physically, mentally and emotionally. At times, it may be tempting to avoid the issues that come with afib rather than deal with them. But your health is too important to make that mistake. Your healthcare team is your support for staying healthy and managing your life with afib. Talk to your doctor about what is working for you and what isn’t. Together, make a plan for managing your biggest challenges.
7 Mistakes People Living With Afib Make