Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is a problem with the rhythm of
your heart- it can beat too fast or too slow, and in a chaotic way which
prevents it from pumping blood as well as it should that could cause serious
health problems, called complications. Your healthcare provider has treatments
to put your ticker back into a normal rhythm and prevent complications.
Get trained in the CPR procedure and equip yourself in the
life-saving procedure. The procedure comprises chest compressions and rescue
breaths. Seconds count when someone’s blood flow or breathing stops which can
cause permanent brain damage or even death, if left unattended. If you know how
to perform CPR, you could save a life. This is an emergency procedure for a
person whose heart has stopped or is no longer breathing. The procedure can
maintain circulation and breathing until emergency medical help arrives. Select
a certified training site for a CPR certification Tampa, such as the AHA certified CPR Tampa in Florida.
Certified instructors conduct the classes through a series of audio and video
lectures and hands-on practice.
AFib Complications include
Stroke- In normal
case, when your ticker beats, the two upper chambers called atria squeeze and
push blood into the two lower chambers called ventricles. In Atrial
Fibrillation, the atria quiver instead of squeezing strongly so they push only
some of the blood into the ventricles that means blood can pool inside the
ticker which can lead to formation of clots (clumps of blood), too. A clot
formed in the atria can travel to the brain which can block blood flow and
cause a stroke if it gets stuck in an artery. For your condition, doctors may
prescribe medicines to bring your heart back into a normal rhythm, prevent
formation of blood clots, and lower the odds you’ll have a stroke.
Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range is as
important as high blood pressure (HBP) can also lead to strokes. A nutritious
diet, exercise and medicine (if you need it) can keep your BP in a healthy
range.
Heart
Failure (HF) - Atrial fibrillation prevents your ticker from pushing
out blood as well as it should. After some time, the effort of pumping makes
your ticker so weak that it cannot send out as much blood as your body needs,
this is called heart failure which can cause blood to back up in the veins of
your lungs leading to buildup of fluid there that causes symptoms like fatigue,
shortness of breath, etc.
Lower your chances of getting HF by quitting smoking, keeping
your BP in a normal range, staying at a healthy weight with diet and exercise,
and controlling your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Cardiomyopathy- Atrial
fibrillation makes the ventricles beat faster to push blood out of the ticker,
if this persists, it can make the heart muscle too weak to pump enough blood to
your body, this is called cardiomyopathy. Medicines for AFib like beta-blockers
and calcium channel blockers can help prevent cardiomyopathy.
Memory Loss- One
possible reason for the link between AFib and memory loss is A-fib raises your
odds for a stroke, which can damage the brain. The condition might also affect
memory by keeping the brain from getting enough blood. Doctors might recommend
blood thinners like warfarin and aspirin to prevent a stroke.
Ways to prevent complications:
1. Make
exercise a part of your daily routine. Ask your healthcare provider to
recommend a fitness plan that’s safe for your ticker.
2. Limit
alcohol consumption and caffeine intake.
3. Quit
smoking.
4. Manage
cholesterol and blood pressure with diet, exercise and medicine (if you need
it).
5. Eat a
heart- and brain-healthy diet where fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean
protein should make the majority of your diet.
Call on 813-453-9974 to register for a program at CPR Tampa
in Florida. Check our class calendar and select an appropriate course for
yourself. If the class day/time doesn’t fit your schedule, check our Palm
Harbor location 36141 US Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL 34684.
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