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Living with atrial fibrillation
atrial fibrillation · AFib · irregular heartbeat · afib · irregular pulse
With atrial fibrillation, the heart beats unevenly. The main danger is blood clots and stroke, so medicines and check-ups matter.
If a doctor found atrial fibrillation on your ECG.
⏱ Duration: treatment is usually long-term; check-ups with your doctor follow a schedule
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Medicines. Take them every day. Do not skip them or stop them on your own.
- Pulse. Learn to count your pulse, or use a blood pressure monitor that detects an irregular heartbeat.
- Other doctors. Tell every doctor and dentist which medicines you take.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines
- Your latest ECG and medical papers
- A diary of your blood pressure and pulse
How it goes
- Take your medicines every day at the same time
- Measure your blood pressure and pulse and write them down
- Limit alcohol, since it often triggers episodes
- Get enough sleep and move every day
- Have the tests your doctor ordered
- Go to your follow-up visits
What you'll feel
- Sometimes you feel skipped beats or fluttering in your chest
- Many people feel nothing, and that is also normal
Afterwards
- Watch for signs of bleeding if you take blood thinners
- Do not start new medicines or herbs without asking your doctor
- Tell your family the signs of a stroke
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Drooping face, a weak arm, or trouble speaking: call emergency services
- Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting: call emergency services
- Blood in the urine, black stools, or heavy bleeding: see a doctor urgently
Common questions
Is atrial fibrillation dangerous?
By itself it often does not threaten life, but it raises the risk of stroke. Treatment lowers that risk.
Can I exercise?
Moderate exercise is usually good for you. Choose it together with your doctor.