Careful Consideration: 10 Things to Think About After an Afib Diagnosis

When you're first diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (Afib), it's important to learn as much as you can about your diagnosis. Understanding what may have contributed to your Afib can help you control it. Some risk factors for Afib include: 

• High blood pressure
• History of heart disease or heart attack
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• History of heart surgery
• Excessive alcohol use
• Smoking 
• Prolonged athletic conditioning

When you have an episode of Afib, it can feel odd, but you can live for years with Afib without any problems. The real risk of Afib is that it increases your risk of having a stroke or developing other medical problems such as: 

• Heart failure
• Chronic fatigue
• Other heart rhythm problems
• Inconsistent blood supply

Since Afib increases your risk of having a stroke, you need to know the warning signs. You can remember the acronym FAST: 

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

Other signs of a stroke can include: 

• Sudden numbness of your face or extremities
• Sudden confusion 
• Sudden trouble walking
• Sudden severe headache

Because Afib often has no symptoms, it can be difficult for your loved ones to understand what you're going through. They may also be scared about what your diagnosis means. Talk to them about your symptoms, and don't be afraid to ask for extra help when you need it.

You may be worried that exercise will make your Afib worse, but regular exercise is important for your health. Exercise can help to:

• Reduce your Afib symptoms
• Lower your resting heart rate
• Reduce your risk of stroke
• Manage your weight
• Reduce your risk of other diseases

It's not unusual to be worried that sexual activity may trigger your Afib. Your partner may also be worried about causing an episode. However, sex is good for your physical and mental wellbeing. If you're having trouble achieving an erection because of your Afib, talk to your doctor about it.

Cardiac rehabilitation classes support your recovery after a cardiac diagnosis. These classes can help you reduce your risk of future problems and improve your quality of life. Ask your doctor if there's a program near you.

Tiredness is one of the most common symptoms of Afib. It can be caused by the Afib or by your medicines. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet can help with fatigue. Talk to your doctor if you think it's related to your medicine.

You may find that certain things trigger your Afib. If possible, you should avoid these triggers. Learn to take your pulse so you can see if it's fast or irregular. Some common triggers for Afib include: 

• Tiredness
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Caffeine 
• Anxiety
• Smoking
• Illness
• Medications
• Illness 

A heart-healthy diet is the best one to follow when you've been diagnosed with Afib. Eat minimally processed foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables. However, if you're taking Warfarin (a blood thinner, often prescribed to prevent blood clots), you may need to avoid too much vitamin K. Foods high in vitamin K include: 

• Spinach
• Kale
• Cauliflower
• Parsley
• Green tea 

Stress and mental disorders may make your Afib symptoms worse. Finding healthy ways to manage your stress can improve your symptoms and your quality of life. Some methods of managing stress are: 

• Meditation
• Relaxation
• Yoga
• Exercise
• A positive outlook
• A healthy diet
• Supportive friends