Adjusting to life with AFib
By ShareMD Connect
After an AFib diagnosis, it's normal to be unsure about what your new normal will look like and what you can and can't do while living with AFib.
In addition, you may have questions on how it may impact your everyday life and if certain types of exercise, activities, or stress may trigger an AFib episode.
While some lifestyle changes may be in store depending on your treatment plan, medication, and any underlying conditions, there are ways to manage your AFib and maintain a good quality of life.
Here are a few things you can do to help you or a loved one adjust to living with AFib.
Be confident in your healthcare team and treatment plan
AFib can severely impact your quality of life, so having a care team that listens and understands what you want can make a huge difference.
Having a qualified electrophysiologist or cardiologist with experience treating AFib, who can assess your diagnosis and help you understand all your treatment options and stroke risk, will make it easier to adjust to life with AFib and manage your condition.
If you find you are not happy with your treatment plan or feel rushed, ignored, or pressured into a treatment path you don't agree with, seek out a second opinion and start learning how to navigate your options so you can have an informed conversation about finding the best kind of care for you.
Learn how to monitor your symptoms
Keep track of any symptoms you may experience related to AFib, such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue or weakness. By knowing what to look for, you'll better understand when you might need emergency care and can report any changes in your symptoms to your healthcare provider if you need to adjust your treatment plan and reduce the risk of complications.
Consider lifestyle changes that may help reduce your symptoms and risk for complications
Have a conversation with your doctor about changes you can make to your diet, exercise routine, and stress management that could help reduce symptoms and lower your risk for complications.
This may also include finding ways to keep your blood pressure under control, minimizing alcohol consumption and/or quitting smoking. For most people, moderation in diet and exercise will be crucial.
Still, it's always good to check with your healthcare provider as some people may find that certain triggers, such as alcohol, caffeine, stress, or medications, can cause or worsen symptoms.
In addition, people on some older versions of blood thinners, like Warfarin, may also need to make dietary changes.
When it comes to blood thinners, expect to have some additional lifestyle changes
If you're taking blood thinners to manage your AFib and reduce your stroke risk, you will likely have to make additional lifestyle changes. This is because while blood thinners can save lives, they also mean you may be more likely to have bleeding complications.
The most significant lifestyle changes that come with blood thinners are usually:
- Reducing the amount of risky physical activities like skiing, biking, rock climbing, etc. The chance of bleeding internally after a fall increases when on blood thinners, so it's important to take precautions and wear safety gear when participating in high-risk activities
- Undergoing more frequent blood work and following a healthcare provider’s guidance when taking certain over the counter medications like ibuprofen, aspirin or supplements that could possibly interfere with the medication
- Taking extra precautions during activities that could cause nuisance bleeding. Doing this might be as simple as wearing gloves while gardening, using a soft toothbrush, or using blunted scissors. Nuisance bleeding usually isn't life-threatening, but it can be (as the name implies) annoying and hard to stop
- Adjusting your diet. Some older versions of blood thinners, like Warfarin, require you to monitor the amount of Vitamin K you get so the medication can work effectively
Changing your lifestyle may mean you start to have anxiety and fear about participating in activities that could cause bleeding. These feelings can sometimes cause people to become sedentary and isolate themselves from the world.
However, remaining active and engaged is essential to living life to the fullest, so you should talk to your doctor if you experience any of these feelings while taking blood thinners.
Talk to your healthcare team about maintaining or improving your physical activity
The good news is that it should be safe and beneficial for your overall heart health to stay physically active while living with AFib.
Studies show that higher physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with a lower long-term risk of developing cardiovascular disease and death in people with AFib.
Overall, it's better to continue living an active lifestyle to reap the rewards of exercise, which can help your overall physical and mental health. However, you'll want to talk to your healthcare provider about the type and intensity of activity that is best for you, which will likely depend on any underlying conditions, medication you may be taking, your medical history, and your general state of health.
Take control of your health and be patient with yourself.
When it comes to your health, you know yourself best. Educate yourself about your condition, treatment options, potential risks associated with AFib, and any underlying causes.
Doing this will empower you to work with your healthcare team to make informed decisions about your treatment and create a plan to manage your AFib that's right for you.
If you're having trouble adjusting to life with AFib, don't hesitate to ask for help
Living with AFib can be challenging, but there are treatment options to help manage it, and you don't have to go through it alone. Consider talking to your doctor about what you're struggling with or joining a support group or online forum for people living with AFib.
You can also schedule a free call with a ShareMD nurse. At ShareMD, our team of nurses are experts in their field and ready to help you understand your AFib and your treatment options and have the ability to help connect you with the care you need.
Our team has decades of experience working in cardiology and understands the importance of understanding your condition and finding the right provider.
Connecting with us is as simple as having a conversation. By scheduling a free, ten-minute phone call, you can confidentially explain your situation and get help finding a solution.
Our nurses will listen to your needs and, if needed, work with you to find providers that could be a good fit. And, if you decide to, they can even help you set up an appointment.
When it comes to adjusting to life with AFib, we're here to help when you're ready. Schedule a free call with a ShareMD nurse specializing in cardiac care.