Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding is when there is blood loss from any of the several organs included in your digestive system. It can occur from any part of the GI tract that runs from your mouth to your anus.

Upper GI bleeds stem from issues with your:

Esophagus.
Stomach.
Duodenum (first part of your small intestine).

Small Bowel bleeds stem from issues with your:

Jejunum (middle part of your small intestine).
Ileum (the last section of your small intestine).

Lower GI bleeds stem from issues with your:

Colon.
Rectum.
Anus.

What are the types of GI bleeds?

Acute: Sudden, severe bleeding that’s a sign of a medical emergency.
Chronic: Bleeding that comes and goes over a long time.
Occult: Bleeding is not visible as it is microscopic, but you can see signs of GI blood loss (such as low blood counts) on laboratory testing.
Overt: Visible signs of a GI bleed, including abnormal colors or substances in your feces (poop). You may also vomit blood.
Obscure: When standard endoscopy testing does not reveal a source of GI bleeding.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.