Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation that damages your liver. You can get the infection if you have exposure to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) after contact with blood that carries the virus. Hepatitis C can cause acute or chronic infections:

Acute hepatitis C: This is a short-term infection. The infection may not cause symptoms. If it does, it may take up to six months for your body to fight off the infection and make the virus go away.
Chronic (long-term) hepatitis C: This happens when your body can’t fight off the infection. You have the virus, but it doesn’t cause symptoms, or your symptoms are mild. About 20% to 30% of people with chronic hepatitis C develop cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer or liver failure.

Researchers estimate between 2 and 4 million people in the U.S. have chronic hepatitis C. Many of them don’t know they have it. That’s why healthcare providers in the U.S. recommend everyone age 18 and older has a screening test for the virus. Tests to screen for hepatitis C let providers diagnose and treat it before the virus damages your liver. Treatment can cure hepatitis C.

Symptoms

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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 Mayo Clinic Staff

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Diagnosis & treatment

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