Health Care Archive - Page 499 of 1479 - Home Health Patient Education

Complications of Atrial Fibrillation-3

Patient/caregiver was educated upon complications of atrial fibrillation as follows: Acute weight gain: Fluid back-up and edema due to arrhythmia can contribute to acute weight gain. Weight gain could be significant in individuals with coexisting complaints, such as valvular diseases and heart failure. Compromised end organ function: Progressively reduced blood supply to the end organs, such as, brain, heart, lung, stomach, and kidneys, can result in deterioration of overall function and failure of these organs. [...]

Complications of Atrial Fibrillation-2

Patient/caregiver was educated upon complications of atrial fibrillation as follows: Chest pain and discomfort: As part of reduced blood flow to the vital organs, blood and oxygen supply to heart muscle is compromised, which can result in chest pain and discomfort. In severe cases, individuals can even present with an episode of myocardial infarction or heart attack, damaging the heart muscle further. Worsening of arrhythmia: Damaged heart muscle, secondary to poor blood and oxygen supply, [...]

Complications of Atrial Fibrillation-1

Patient/caregiver was educated upon complications of atrial fibrillation as follows: Hypotension: The ineffective and rapid contractions of the heart chambers with atrial fibrillation result in reduced output of blood from the heart, leading to low blood volume in circulation, hypotension with dizziness and lightheadedness. Also, reduced blood supply to brain, secondary to hypotension and reduced output from heart, can contribute to altered level of consciousness. Eventually, this increases risk for falls and accidents. Heart failure: [...]

Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation-2

Patient/caregiver was educated that risk factors for atrial fibrillation include any conditions that can lead to excessive and/or abnormal stimulation of heart. These conditions are as follows: Previous heart surgery Scar tissue can form during healing of cardiac tissue post-surgery. This scar tissue resists normal conduction of cardiac impulse. This can result in abnormal route of conduction of cardiac impulse, resulting in atrial fibrillation. Stress and Anxiety In conditions of stress and anxiety, excess adrenaline [...]

Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation-1

Patient/caregiver was educated that risk factors for atrial fibrillation include any conditions that can lead to excessive and/or abnormal stimulation of heart. These conditions are as follows: Elevated blood pressure and Heart disease Chronic uncontrolled hypertension and previous episodes of myocardial infarction/heart attack can damage the heart muscle over time. This damaged heart muscle resists normal conduction of cardiac impulse, resulting in disturbance of natural rhythm. Also, scar tissue formed during healing of the damaged [...]