Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and blood clots are two conditions that can have serious health effects when not monitored and managed appropriately. As a caretaker for a loved one with those conditions, it is important to understand the symptoms of these two conditions, how to best provide care, and ways to communicate with healthcare professionals about them.
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation and Blood Clots
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heartbeat caused by changes in the electrical system of the heart. Symptoms of AFib may include dizziness, vertigo, arrhythmia, chest pain or tightness in your chest, and palpitations.
Blood clots are clusters of blood cells that form either a solid mass or liquid gel material that can cause blockage in the body's major arteries and veins. A clot can be life-threatening if it travels to important organs such as the lungs or brain. Symptoms that indicate someone may have lost blood flow due to clots include sudden weakness on one side of their face, slurred speech, vision loss, or a change in typical walking gait. Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of developing blood clots.
Caretaker's Guide to Caring for Relatives with Atrial Fibrillation and Blood Clots
If you're caring for an elderly loved one with atrial fibrillation and blood clots, there are several things you may need to take into account.
Monitoring for Symptoms: Seek medical attention if any of your loved one's symptoms suddenly worsen or appear. It is important to take note and communicate with your loved one's healthcare provider about any changes in the condition, even if it appears subtle.
Encouraging Healthy Habits: Eating a balanced diet low in unhealthy fats, exercising regularly (with approval from the healthcare provider), quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress may help reduce risks associated with both atrial fibrillation and blood clots. As a caretaker, you can help encourage your loved one to engage in those healthier behaviors.
Understanding Medications: Follow the doctor's prescribed medication routine to ensure that individual treatments are being taken as recommended. Be sure to review their dosage amounts and ask questions regarding different prescriptions, including possible side effects or interactions between drugs.
Communicating With Healthcare Providers: Stay in contact with your loved one's primary care physician and cardiologist on an ongoing basis so you know how best to provide assistance related to managing these conditions. Set up regular checkups where vital signs can be monitored, which helps provide feedback regarding their treatment interventions. Caregivers often serve as an essential point of connection between individuals and their doctors and can help provide essential information that can aid in receiving the highest-quality possible treatment.
Seniors with Atrial Fibrillation May Need More Care
Providing care for a loved one with atrial fibrillation and blood clots can be very stressful. For caregivers in Knoxville, Maryville, Madisonville, Loudon, and Harriman, Senior Helpers Madisonville can provide essential home care support for seniors. We offer a variety of support options, including help with activities of daily living including meal prep, exercise, and even simple companionship services. Contact us today to learn more about everything we have to offer.