Overview

Stretch marks (striae) are discolored, slightly sunken (depressed), scar-like lines in your skin. They appear when your skin rapidly stretches or shrinks.

Stretch marks generally appear on your:

  • Abdominal area (stomach).
  • Thighs.
  • Hips.
  • Breasts (boobs).
  • Upper arms.
  • Lower back.
  • Buttocks (butt).

Who do stretch marks affect?

Anyone can get stretch marks. But you’re more likely to develop stretch marks if:

  • You’re pregnant, especially if you’re Black, Hispanic, East Asian or South Asian.
  • You suddenly gain or lose a lot of weight.
  • Your muscles get bigger quickly through bodybuilding or weightlifting.
  • You’re experiencing a growth spurt during adolescence.
  • You have a family history of stretch marks (genetics).
  • You have Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome.
  • You’ve been on prednisone long term.

How common are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are common. Between 50% and 90% of all people who are pregnant develop stretch marks.

How do stretch marks affect my body?

Stretch marks don’t hurt, but they can affect your mental health. They can make you worry about how others look at you. They can also affect how you think about yourself and your behavior. You may experience stress, anxiety and depression.

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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.


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