Whipple’s Disease

Overview

Whipple’s disease is a rare bacterial infection in your small intestine. It affects your body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients (malabsorption). You may develop Whipple’s disease after exposure to Tropheryma whipplei, a common bacterium that lives in dirt. Fortunately, a combination of antibiotics kills the bacteria in your body, eases your symptoms and cures the condition.

How common is Whipple’s disease?

While the bacterium that causes the disease is common, Whipple’s disease is very rare. Experts analyzing Whipple’s disease cases estimate it affects 9 in 1 million people in the U.S. Not everyone who encounters T.whipplei develops the disease.

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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?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.