The month of September is Atrial Fibrillation (or AFib) awareness month, and a good opportunity for you to talk to your elderly loved one about the symptoms and risk factors regarding AFib. Since this condition cannot be seen or felt by anyone other than the person affected, it’s important for your elderly loved one to understand what it is, what risk factors contribute to it, and what the dangers of untreated AFib are.
AFib is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders, so grab a cup of (decaf) coffee and sit down with your loved one to talk about it, and the assistance of personal care at home services, in September, to help him stay healthy.
What is AFib and its symptoms?
Atrial Fibrillation occurs when the upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria, beat irregularly. Their beat becomes out of sync with the lower chambers. When the heart is healthy, the signals between the upper and lower chambers occur smoothly without any issues.
In AFib, the upper chamber signals are chaotic, causing them to shake. When it occurs, the heart may beat 100-170 beats per minute, instead of its usual 60-100 beats per resting minute.
Some people never feel the symptoms of AFib, but for others, the symptoms are very noticeable. They include:
- Heart palpitations where they feel the heart beating extra hard and fast.
- Pain in the chest area as it occurs.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness during an episode.
- A shortness of breath.
- Persistent fatigue and weakness.
- A reduction in the ability to exert themselves with physical activity.
As mentioned, some people never feel these symptoms, and for others, the symptoms may come and go and only last a few minutes at a time, while others may struggle with these symptoms more persistently, lasting for hours on end or never really ceasing at all.
AFib Risk Factors
Age is the main risk factor for AFib, with about 25% of older adults developing the condition. Other risk factors include:
- Consuming too much alcohol in one sitting
- Smoking
- Caffeine and other stimulants
- A drop in electrolytes
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Some cough and cold medications
- An overactive thyroid
AFib Increases the Risk of Blood Clots
One of the most dangerous complications from AFib is the increased risk of the person developing a blood clot that could break off and lead to a stroke. If your loved one has other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart failure, their risk increases.
Reducing the Risk of AFib with Personal Care at Home
If your loved one is concerned about developing AFib or has a family history of the condition, he can take steps to help reduce the likelihood of developing it. Enlisting a personal care at home provider to help him implement and stick to some of these changes may offer the best hope of success. A personal care at home provider can customize the personal care at home they provide to help your loved one implement a healthier lifestyle.
Areas that his personal care at home provider can work with him on include:
- Reducing salt and fat in his diet.
- Sticking to a regular exercise plan.
- Helping him take steps during the day to help him sleep better at night.
- Managing medications recommended by his doctor.
- Reduce stress levels by assisting with the home and providing a listening ear.
A few solid changes started today can help keep your loved one healthier in the future.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Point Loma, CA, please contact the caring staff at A Caring Touch Home Care today. Call (619) 344-0528
A Caring Touch Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency providing exceptional home care in Coronado, Del Mar/Del Mar Heights, Bonita, East Lake, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Mt. Helix/La Mesa, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Carmel Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Point Loma, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego and surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://upbeat.org/heart-rhythm-disorders/atrial-fibrillation-afib?utm_source=hrsonline&utm_campaign=afibawareness2024&utm_medium=afibawareness-accordion&utm_content=afib-info
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