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Atrial Fibrillation: Care Instructions

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Right and left atria of heart, with details showing normal and fibrillation in an atrium.

Overview

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often fast heartbeat. Treating this condition is important for several reasons. It can cause blood clots, which can travel from your heart to your brain and cause a stroke. An irregular heartbeat can also increase your risk for heart failure. If you have an episode of atrial fibrillation, you may feel a fluttering, racing, or pounding feeling in your chest called palpitations. You may feel short of breath, lightheaded, dizzy, or weak.

Treatment can help you feel better and prevent future problems. Treatments can slow the heart rate, control the heart rhythm, or help prevent stroke. You will likely take medicine. You may have a procedure, such as electrical cardioversion or catheter ablation.

You can live well and help manage atrial fibrillation by having a heart-healthy lifestyle. This lifestyle may help reduce symptoms and how often you have episodes.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Be safe with medicines.
    • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
    • If your doctor has given you a blood thinner to prevent a stroke, be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
    • Do not take any vitamins, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal products without talking to your doctor first.
  • Have a heart-healthy lifestyle.
    • Try to quit or cut back on using tobacco and other nicotine products. This includes smoking and vaping. Avoid secondhand smoke too.
    • Eat heart-healthy foods. These include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium and sugar.
    • Limit alcohol. Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. Avoid alcohol if it triggers symptoms.
    • Be active. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Talk to your doctor about what type and level of exercise is safe for you.
    • Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Talk to your doctor if you need help losing weight.
    • Try to manage stress.
    • Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
    • Manage other health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
    • Avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and the flu. Get the flu vaccine every year. Get a pneumococcal vaccine. If you have had one before, ask your doctor whether you need another dose. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Learn how to manage symptoms.
    • Make a symptom action plan with your doctor. This will help you know what to do when you have an episode of atrial fibrillation.
    • Use a symptom diary to find what triggers your symptoms. If you know your triggers, you can take steps to avoid them.
  • Check your pulse regularly if your doctor recommends it. Place two fingers on the artery at the palm side of your wrist, in line with your thumb.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
    • Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
    • Sweating.
    • Shortness of breath.
    • Nausea or vomiting.
    • Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
    • Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
    • A fast or irregular heartbeat.
    After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength or 2 to 4 low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.
  • You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
    • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
    • Sudden vision changes.
    • Sudden trouble speaking.
    • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
    • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
    • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
  • You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have new or increased shortness of breath.
  • You feel dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
  • You have an episode of atrial fibrillation and your doctor wants you to call when you have one.
  • You have new or worse symptoms.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter U020 in the search box to learn more about "Atrial Fibrillation: Care Instructions".

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.