Polymyositis

Overview

A healthcare provider will diagnose polymyositis with a physical exam and some tests. They’ll ask about your symptoms and examine the muscles that are feeling weak or experiencing symptoms. Your provider will ask you how it feels when you do certain movements or motions.

Your provider will use a few tests to diagnose polymyositis. Some of these tests will rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Your provider might use:

Blood tests to look for muscle enzymes or antibodies that show something is damaging your muscles.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to check for inflammation in your muscles.
EMG (electromyography) to look for unusual muscle activity.
A muscle biopsy can show damage and the overall health of your muscle tissue.

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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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