Carcinoid Syndrome

Overview

Carcinoid syndrome is a rare condition that happens if you have neuroendocrine tumors. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are tumors that start in specialized cells in your neuroendocrine system.

NETs develop when your neuroendocrine cells begin to rapidly divide and multiply, creating tumors that release unusually large amounts of serotonin and other substances. When that happens, you develop carcinoid syndrome symptoms. Sometimes, a carcinoid syndrome diagnosis is the first indication you have a neuroendocrine tumor.

Very rarely, people with carcinoid syndrome have carcinoid crises, a potentially life-threatening condition that can happen if your carcinoid syndrome goes undiagnosed or untreated.

Is carcinoid syndrome common?

No, it’s not. One study suggests 1 in 5 people with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have carcinoid syndrome, and NETs affect about 5 in 100,000 people in the United States.

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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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