Rett Syndrome

Overview

Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental (brain and nerve) disorder. Children with Rett syndrome appear to develop typically in the first year of life, but they lose the ability to use their hands purposefully. Other development then slows as they get older.

Rett syndrome causes developmental challenges throughout childhood. As children get older, these challenges stop progressing but do not go away. People with Rett syndrome may have challenges throughout their lives, although they can live to middle age or have close to a typical lifespan.

Who might get Rett syndrome?

Rett syndrome almost exclusively affects females. About 1 in every 10,000 to 15,000 baby girls are born with Rett syndrome. It affects babies of all racial and ethnic groups.

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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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