Record any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to atrial fibrillation (AF), when they occurred and what you were doing at the time.
Write down key personal information, including any family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes, and any major stresses or recent life changes.
Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.
Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand and remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Common questions about AF include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
- What kinds of tests will I need?
- What's the most appropriate treatment?
- What foods should I eat or avoid?
- What's an appropriate level of physical activity?
- How often should I be screened for heart disease or other complications of AF?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
- I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist? (You may need to ask your insurance provider directly for information about coverage.
P.L.A.N for your visit
For many people, the first time they heard about AF is when they were diagnosed with it. The amount of information you receive about your condition and treatment options may sometimes be overwhelming. Planning for your health care visits and asking questions will help you to understand more about your AF and treatment options. Use the P.L.A.N flyer for your health care visits (View this PDF - courtesy of the Health Quality and Safety Commission, HQSC) and ask your family to be part of your P.L.A.N too.
You and your pulse
Q – What is my pulse?
Your pulse is your heart beat, rate and rhythm. One of the easiest places to feel your pulse is on your wrist, just below your thumb.
Q - Why and when should you check your pulse?
Being aware of your pulse is important because it may indicate an abnormal heart rate or rhythm such as AF.
It is important that you are resting when you take your pulse because it will vary throughout the day. We would advise that you would take it first thing in the morning or in the evening when you are relaxed.
Q - What is a normal pulse?
A normal pulse is generally between 60 and 100 beats per minute and regular.
There are a number of reasons why your pulse may be slower or faster. This may be due to your age, medications, caffeine, level of fitness, or any other illness including heart conditions, stress and anxiety.
Q – How do I take my pulse?
You can take your pulse in 4 easy steps:
To assess your resting pulse rate in your wrist, sit down for 5 minutes beforehand. You should be aware that any stimulants taken before the reading will affect the rate. It is a good idea to have a watch or clock with a second hand nearby (in order to time the beats).
Hold your left or right hand out with your palm facing up and your elbow barely bent.
With the other hand, place your index and middle fingers on your wrist, at the base of your thumb, where your hand meets your arm. You may need to move your fingers around a little to find the pulse. Keep firm pressure on your wrist with your fingers in order to feel your pulse.
Count for 30 seconds, and multiply by 2 to get your heart rate in beats per minute.
Q - When should you seek further advice?
If your pulse seems to be racing some or most of the time and you are feeling unwell.
If your pulse seems to be slow some or most of the time and you are feeling unwell.
If your pulse feels irregular (“jumping around”), even if you do not feel unwell.
If you have persistent heart rate above 120bpm or below 40bpm.
If you think you may have an irregular pulse, or if you have trouble finding or taking your pulse, you should talk your GP or Practice Nurse.
Planning for emergencies
Change in symptoms
If your AF symptoms change, worsen or you feel concerned about your condition, discuss it with your doctor.
Stroke
People with atrial fibrillation are five times more likely of having a stroke because their irregular heartbeat may cause blood clots to form in the heart.
