You may have been in the hospital because you have atrial fibrillation. When you have atrial fibrillation, your heart beats in an irregular way, usually faster than normal. You may have also developed this problem while you were in the hospital for a heart attack, heart surgery, or other illness such as pneumonia.
You may have received any of these treatments:
You may have been given medicines to change your heartbeat or to slow it down. Some are:
Have all of your prescriptions filled before you go home. You should take your drugs the way your doctor and nurse have told you to.
You may be taking aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, or another blood thinner to help keep your blood from clotting.
See also:
If you are taking warfarin:
Limit how much alcohol you drink. Ask your doctor when it is okay to drink, and how much is safe.
Do not smoke cigarettes. If you do smoke, your doctor or nurse can help you quit.
Learn more about what you should eat for a healthier heart. Avoid salty and fatty foods. Stay away from fast-food restaurants. Your doctor can refer you to a dietitian, who can help you plan a healthy diet. If you take warfarin, do not change your diet significantly or take vitamins without checking with your doctor.
See also:
Try to avoid stressful situations. If you feel stressed or sad, tell your doctor or nurse. They may evaluate you and possibly refer you to a counselor.
Learn how to check your pulse, and check it every day. It is better to take your own pulse than to use a machine. A machine may be less accurate because of atrial fibrillation.
Reduce or stop drinking liquids with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, colas, and many other beverages.
Do not use cocaine, amphetamines, or any other illegal drugs. They may make your heart beat faster, and cause permanent damage to your heart.
Call your 911 if you feel:
Auricular fibrillation - discharge; A-fib - discharge; AF - discharge
Fuster V, Rydén LE, Cannom DS, Crijns HJ, Curtis AB, Ellenbogen KA, et al. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines; European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines; European Heart Rhythm Association; Heart Rhythm Society. ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2006;114:e257-e354.
Lafuente-Lafuente C, Mahé I, Extramiana F. Management of atrial fibrillation. BMJ. 2009;b5216.
Dobrev D, Nattel S. New antiarrhythmic drugs for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Lancet. 2010;375:1212-1223.
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
MedlinePlus Topics
Read More
Patient Instructions
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.