Pancreatitis

If you have characteristic symptoms of pancreatitis, a healthcare provider will check your pancreas with blood tests and imaging tests. A pancreas blood test looks for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes in your blood. If levels are at least three times higher than normal, your provider will suspect pancreatitis. They might confirm the diagnosis with a cross-sectional imaging test, such as a CT scan or MRI. These tests can show swelling and fluid deposits in your pancreas as well as other abnormalities.

If your provider suspects you have chronic pancreatitis, they may order additional tests, including:

Glucose test (to see whether your pancreas is still producing insulin effectively).
Stool elastase test (to see if your pancreas is making enough digestive enzymes).
Fecal fat analysis (to test for excess fat in your poop, a sign of fat malabsorption).
Blood tests (to assess your nutritional status and whether you have enough fat-soluble vitamins in your blood).

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.