Overview

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often fast heartbeat. Treating this condition is important for several reasons. It can cause blood clots, which can travel from your heart to your brain and cause a stroke. An irregular heartbeat can also increase your risk for heart failure. If you have an episode of atrial fibrillation, you may feel a fluttering, racing, or pounding feeling in your chest called palpitations. You may feel short of breath, light-headed, dizzy, or weak.

Treatment can help you feel better and prevent future problems. Treatments can slow the heart rate, control the heart rhythm, or help prevent stroke. You will likely take medicine. You may have a procedure, such as electrical cardioversion or catheter ablation.

You can live well and help manage atrial fibrillation by having a heart-healthy lifestyle. This lifestyle may help reduce symptoms and how often you have episodes.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines.
  • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
  • If your doctor has given you a blood thinner to prevent a stroke, be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
  • Do not take any over-the-counter medicines or natural health products without talking to your doctor first.
• Have a heart-healthy lifestyle.
  • Try to quit or cut back on using tobacco and other nicotine products. This includes smoking and vaping. Avoid second-hand smoke too.
  • Eat heart-healthy foods. These include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium and sugar.
  • If you drink, try to drink less. Your risk of harm from alcohol is low if you have 2 drinks or less per week. Avoid alcohol if it triggers symptoms. Work with your doctor to find what is best for you.
  • Be active. Try to get at least 2½ hours of physical activity a week. Talk to your doctor about what type and level of exercise is safe for you.
  • Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Talk to your doctor if you need help losing weight.
  • Try to manage stress.
  • Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
  • Manage other health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
  • Avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and influenza (flu). Get the flu vaccine every year. Get a pneumococcal vaccine. If you have had one before, ask your doctor whether you need another dose. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
• Learn how to manage symptoms.
  • Make a symptom action plan with your doctor. This will help you know what to do when you have an episode of atrial fibrillation.
  • Use a symptom diary to find what triggers your symptoms. If you know your triggers, you can take steps to avoid them.
• Check your pulse regularly if your doctor recommends it. Place two fingers on the artery at the palm side of your wrist, in line with your thumb.