Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Overview

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a condition that makes your body much more likely than usual to form blood clots. Healthcare providers sometimes call it antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

The blood clots from APS can cause severe, life-threatening complications like strokes. They can also make pregnant people much more likely to experience miscarriages and other pregnancy complications.

APS is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system accidentally attacks your body instead of protecting it.

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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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