K.N.O.W. Home Health - ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (A-FIB)

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib) is a heart problem where the heart beats in an irregular or fast way. Normally, your heart beats in a steady rhythm. But with AFib, the upper part of your heart (called the atria) beats out of rhythm with the lower part (called the ventricles). This can cause the heart to work harder and less effectively.

You might feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping beats.

Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

AFib can be caused by:

High blood pressure
Heart disease
Heart surgery
Sleep apnea
Too much alcohol or caffeine
Smoking
Thyroid problems
Family history
Stress or illness

Sometimes the cause is unknown.

What Are the Risks of Atrial Fibrillation?

AFib can lead to serious problems like:

Stroke – When blood clots form in the heart and travel to the brain.
Heart failure – When the heart can't pump blood well.
Feeling tired, dizzy, or short of breath
Irregular heartbeats that may come and go or stay constant

Treatments for Atrial Fibrillation

Treatment depends on your symptoms and how long you’ve had AFib. Treatments may include:

Medications to slow your heart rate or return it to a normal rhythm
Blood thinners to prevent clots and stroke
Lifestyle changes, such as no smoking, less alcohol, less caffeine, healthy diet
Medical procedures like cardioversion (shocking the heart back to normal rhythm)
Ablation, which is a special procedure to fix heart rhythm problems

Always take your medications exactly how your doctor says.

When Should I Call My Home Health Nurse or Doctor?

Call your nurse or doctor if you:

Feel your heart beating fast or fluttering
Feel dizzy or lightheaded
Feel more tired than usual
Notice swelling in your legs or feet
Have new or increased shortness of breath
Miss a dose of your blood thinner

When Should I Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room?

Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you:

Have chest pain or tightness
Feel like you might pass out
Can’t breathe or are very short of breath
Suddenly feel weak or numb, especially on one side of the body
Can’t speak clearly or have trouble understanding others

These could be signs of a stroke or a heart attack and are very serious.

Patient Homework/Assessment

Please mark True or False for each statement below to test what you learned.

True or False: Atrial fibrillation is when the heart beats in a normal steady rhythm.
True or False: AFib can feel like your heart is racing or skipping beats.
True or False: Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can make AFib worse.
True or False: AFib only happens to people who are over 80 years old.
True or False: Blood clots caused by AFib can lead to strokes.
True or False: You should stop taking your medicine if your heart feels normal again.
True or False: Feeling dizzy or very tired could be a sign of AFib.
True or False: It’s okay to skip a blood thinner dose once in a while.
True or False: High blood pressure is one of the causes of AFib.
True or False: You should call your doctor if you feel your heart fluttering or racing.
True or False: It’s safe to wait a few days if you have chest pain and AFib.
True or False: Chest pain, trouble breathing, or passing out means you should call 911 right away.
True or False: Atrial fibrillation increases your risk of heart failure.
True or False: A healthy diet and regular checkups can help manage AFib.
True or False: Procedures like cardioversion or ablation may help fix heart rhythm problems.
True or False: AFib is never serious and doesn’t need treatment.
True or False: Sleep apnea may be linked to AFib.
True or False: Taking blood thinners helps prevent strokes in people with AFib.
True or False: You should call your nurse if you have swelling in your legs or feet.
True or False: If you suddenly can’t talk or move one side of your body, you should call your doctor next week.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Have you noticed irregular or rapid heartbeats, palpitations, or a fluttering sensation in your chest, and how often do they occur?

Do you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue that affects your daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or household tasks?

Are you taking any medications for your heart rhythm or blood thinning, and how well do they help control your symptoms?

Have you had any episodes of chest pain, fainting, or swelling in your legs that could indicate complications from atrial fibrillation?