Overview
GISTs are cancerous tumors that develop in the walls of your gastrointestinal tract in your digestive system. They’re a type of soft tissue sarcoma. Some gastrointestinal stromal tumors are small, about the size of a pencil eraser, and you might not notice them. But they can also grow large enough to cause symptoms and medical issues. Healthcare providers treat GISTs with surgery to remove the tumors.
How common are gastrointestinal stromal tumors?
They’re rare. Experts estimate that every year, between 4,000 and 6,000 people in the U.S. receive a GIST diagnosis.
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Symptoms
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.
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