Common Symptoms of AFib in the Elderly
December 26, 2024
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib is a condition of the heart in which its upper chambers beat irregularly. The heart’s electrical system ceases to work properly, and not enough blood is pumped out of the area, which can cause the blood to pool. AFib can lead to blood clots, heart failure, and stroke. It is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm.
AFib Symptoms
While often the first alert to someone having AFib is during a routine checkup while the doctor listens to the heart, it can also present with several symptoms. These might be your loved one’s first indication that his heart isn’t beating properly, especially if he tends to miss his regular doctor visits.
Common Symptoms Include:
- A feeling in the chest of the heart fluttering or beating extremely hard for a few beats without any exertion involved.
- A rapidly or irregularly beating heartbeat.
- Feeling lightheaded often, especially when quickly standing up or getting out of bed.
- An overall feeling of being tired or worn out but without relief coming from additional rest.
- A feeling of not being able to get enough breath.
- A persistent cough
- Extreme fatigue when physically active.
AFib Risk Factors
AFib is one of those conditions that increases just because a person gets older. Like many parts of the body, years of use and possible abuse can take its toll and cause the heart to struggle with how well it works. Other health conditions that commonly affect the elderly can also greatly increase the risk of developing AFib such as coronary heart disease or high blood pressure.
Some lifestyle choices will also increase the risk of your loved one having an AFib episode:
- Obesity. Obesity increases the risk of AFib, as well as makes it more difficult to manage once diagnosed, increasing the likelihood that it will continue to progress.
- Drinking too much Caffeine. Your loved one should reduce the amount of caffeine he consumes each day as well as avoid any highly caffeinated drinks like energy drinks.
- Consuming too much alcohol. Overconsumption of alcohol can increase the risk of AFib symptoms.
- Feeling overly stressed. While all stressors in life cannot be avoided, helping your loved one discover healthy ways to manage the stress in his life will lead to better heart health.
Managing AFib Symptoms at Home
If your loved one has been diagnosed with AFib, his doctor will prescribe treatment to help get his heart beating consistently and without interruptions. Taking his medication properly is a big step in helping his heart to stay healthy. If your loved one struggles with forgetfulness or cognitive decline, he might need a little home care assistance when it comes to managing his medications. Having someone to remind him to take his medications as well as assist him in getting refills is a great way to keep him on track for better medication management.
A home care assistance provider can also help your loved one implement some lifestyle changes that can increase his quality of life and reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack due to AFib. Implementing regular daily exercise as well as enjoying heart-healthy meals are two of the best steps toward better heart health and reducing the risk of more decline in his overall health.
If you or your loved one is looking for Home Care Assistance in Saratoga, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care.
Santa Clara County: (408) 979-9990
San Mateo County: (650) 353-9777
Santa Cruz County: (831) 480-3990