What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Heart health is something that most family caregivers cite as a priority when caring for their aging parent. There are many issues related to heart health and it is important to not only recognize these, but to take the important steps to help manage these conditions and protect your parent. One such issue is atrial fibrillation.

Elderly Care in Grapevine TX: What is Atrial Fibrillation?

September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month.

This is the perfect time for you to learn about this condition, what it is, and the impact that it makes on your parent’s health and well-being so that you can help them make the decisions that are right for them regarding treatment, care, and management moving forward.

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, refers to a particular type of irregular heartbeat. When a person is dealing with this condition, the atria, or the upper chambers of their heart, do not beat in an effective, even rhythm. Instead, they quiver, or create an irregular beat. This makes it difficult for the blood to flow through into the ventricles in the way that it is meant to.

It is a very common belief that AFib is not serious. In fact, only 33 percent of those who are dealing with this condition understand that it is a serious condition, and fewer than half of those dealing with it think that their health condition increases the risk that they will experience a stroke, hospitalization, or sudden death. This, however, is not the case.

The reality is that AFib is a very serious condition that can dramatically increase your parent’s risk of a variety of health complications. If left untreated, this condition puts a person at twice the risk of heart-related death. These patients are also at five times the risk for stroke. Approximately 20 percent of those who suffer a stroke related to a clot are living with AFib.

Starting elder care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. A home care services provider can be with your parent on a fully customized schedule to ensure that they get all of the care, assistance, and support that they need to handle their individual needs, challenges, and limitations. This helps your parent to live a life that is happy, healthy, safe, and comfortable, and to pursue as much independence, activity, and fulfillment as possible as they age in place. When it comes to dealing with health challenges, this care provider can help your parent to understand the guidance and instructions that their doctor gives to them, and support good lifestyle choices. This includes giving them valuable reminders to keep them compliant with their prescriptions and instructions so that they can manage their condition in the way that is best for them and that will give them the most benefit.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering home care in Frisco or the surrounding area, please contact the caring staff at Custom Caregivers today. Call us at (972) 702-7988.

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_atrial_fibrillation.htm

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/What-is-Atrial-Fibrillation-AFib-or-AF_UCM_423748_Article.jsp#.WZbe5vmGPIU