Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a type of irregular heartbeat that may make your heart feel like it’s fluttering, racing or skipping beats. Sometimes you might feel tired or dizzy. Other times, you may not notice anything at all. But even if you feel fine, AFib can raise your risk for serious health problems like stroke, blood clots and heart failure. That’s why it’s important to take it seriously and work with your doctor to manage it.

Whether you think you might have AFib or you have already been diagnosed with the condition, here are some things to do to stay healthier:

• Know the signs and get checked. AFib symptoms can be easy to miss because they may differ from person to person. Some people feel short of breath, weak or tired. Others notice a pounding or fast heartbeat. If something feels off, let your doctor know. To diagnose AFib, your doctor may do an electrocardiogram (EKG), which checks your heart’s rhythm. You may also need to wear a heart monitor over several days or a few weeks.
• Follow your treatment plan. If you have AFib, your doctor will recommend treatment, which may include medication to control your heart rate or rhythm and a blood thinner to lower your stroke risk. There are also procedures to treat AFib, such as cardioversion, which uses electricity to reset your heartbeat, and ablation, which targets the heart tissue causing the problem. They aren’t right for everyone, but your doctor can help you decide if either is right for you.
• Watch your triggers. Everyone’s AFib triggers are a little different. Some people have episodes triggered by stress or caffeine. Others notice symptoms if they don’t get enough sleep. Pay attention to what brings on your symptoms and talk with your doctor about ways to avoid those triggers.
• Check in regularly. AFib is a long-term condition, and how you manage it may need to change over time. Keep up with your appointments and let your doctor know if anything changes. This can help you avoid complications and stay in control of your health.
• Know when it’s an emergency. If you feel chest pain, severe shortness of breath or faint, call 911 right away. These could be signs of a heart attack or stroke, and fast treatment can save your life.

You can’t always prevent AFib, but living a heart healthy life lowers your risk of developing the condition or having complications. Here are a few healthy lifestyle habits that can help:

• Eat smart. Choose foods that are low in salt, added sugar and unhealthy fats. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Stay active. Gentle exercise like walking or swimming can strengthen your heart. Check with your doctor before starting anything new.
• Limit alcohol. Drinking too much can trigger AFib or make it worse.
• Quit smoking. Smoking damages your heart and raises your risk for AFib and stroke.
• Manage stress. Deep breathing, meditation or talking to someone you trust helps reduce stress.

Many people live long, healthy lives with AFib. Taking these steps can help you manage the condition so you stay healthier, too.

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