Hypereosinophilic Syndrome

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a rare condition caused by an overload of white blood cells called eosinophils. Eosinophils protect your body from parasitic infections and respond to allergens. Normally, eosinophils account for 5% to 7% of your white blood cells, or about 100 to 500 eosinophils per microliter of blood. When you have certain conditions, such as allergies, your eosinophils multiply to cause a condition called eosinophilia.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome happens when eosinophilia accelerates, speeding up eosinophil production and increasing the number of eosinophils. This eosinophil overload can damage your organs, including your heart, lungs, skin and nervous system. Left untreated, hypereosinophilic syndrome can be life-threatening. Fortunately, prompt diagnosis and treatment mean more than 80% of those diagnosed with hypereosinophilic syndrome are alive five years after diagnosis.

Who’s affected by hypereosinophilic syndrome?

HES is a rare condition, and healthcare providers aren’t sure how many people have HES. Anyone can develop hypereosinophilic syndrome, but it’s most often seen in people ages 20 to 50.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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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?

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