Although atrial fibrillation is relatively common, it’s not well understood. Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), a condition affecting nearly 3 million Americans, is characterized by an irregular heartbeat originating in the upper chambers of the heart. While often manageable, A-Fib can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and related heart complications. The first step in successfully treating A-Fib is developing a better understanding of the condition.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care. Fremont families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Symptoms of A-Fib
Some individuals with A-Fib may have no noticeable symptoms, only being diagnosed with the condition during a routine physical exam. Other seniors with atrial fibrillation may only experience signs of the condition while going up stairs, bending down, lifting something, or performing some other strenuous activity. Symptoms often associated with A-Fib include:
- General weakness or increased fatigue
- Dizziness
- Difficulty catching breath
- Abdominal pain
- Heart palpitations (an awareness of your heart beating fast)
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a homecare agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and all of our in-home care services are flexible and can be cancelled if you’re not fully satisfied.
Treatments for A-Fib
Untreated A-Fib increases the risk stroke and heart-related death, especially in individuals 65 and older. Treatment of AF starts with an exam that includes medical history and diagnostic testing (EKG, ECG). Some seniors may require an intracardiac electrophysiology study (a test determining the strength of the heart’s electrical signals) to achieve an accurate diagnosis. Doctors often recommend the following treatments for A-Fib: beta blockers and calcium channel blockers (to slow heart rate and relieve symptoms)
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Thyroid medication (if AF is linked to hyperthyroidism)
- Electrical cardioversion (controlled electrical shock is delivered to the heart while under sedation to re-establish a normal rhythm)
- Antiarrhythmic medications (first administered during a hospital stay to allow for careful monitoring)
- Catheter ablation (insertion of a catheter to destroy “trigger spots” in the upper chambers of the heart sometimes linked to AF)
Properly managing AF can help seniors boost their quality of life. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of Fremont home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
