Understanding your condition can help you to be more in control of your atrial fibrillation (AF) and how you feel.
Get to know your AF
Sometimes you will find a clear cause for your episode, such as stress. At other times, you can have an episode for no obvious reason.
Keep a diary
Use this diary to keep a note of your symptoms, and any triggers that you find can cause an AF episode. This is so you can avoid them in the future. Show this to your doctor at your next appointment.
Lifestyle changes
The following lifestyle changes may help with your AF:
- physical activity - check with your doctor what a safe level of activity or exercise is before you start
- healthy diet - ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice on what types of food to eat
- avoid stimulants - such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine from smoking
- have your blood pressure and cholesterol monitored regularly - it's important to keep them under control
- reduce stress - find ways to manage or control any stress you cannot avoid
- go for regular check-ups - these will help you maintain your quality of life
Know what medicines to avoid
Some over-the-counter medicines and herbal remedies such as St John’s Wort can make your AF worse.
Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these.
HSE Chronic Disease Management Programme
If you have a medical card or GP visit card, you can register with your GP for the HSE Chronic Disease Management Treatment programme.
With this programme, your GP will review your atrial fibrillation twice a year.