Alpha-gal Syndrome

It can be challenging to diagnose alpha-gal syndrome. Tick bites are painless, so many people who develop tick-borne illnesses often don’t realize they’ve been bitten.

Also, unlike other food allergies, delayed reactions to alpha-gal often occur late in the evening or in the middle of the night. And not every exposure to alpha-gal triggers a reaction or follows the same pattern.

These factors can make it difficult for you and your physician to figure out the connection to alpha-gal.

What tests can help diagnose alpha-gal syndrome?

To diagnose alpha-gal, your physician or allergist reviews your symptoms and health history and does a physical examination. Healthcare providers also use allergy testing to confirm a diagnosis, including:

Blood test that looks for immunoglobulin-E antibodies (proteins made by your immune system) to alpha-gal.
Skin prick test.

If you think you have AGS, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early detection helps you avoid triggers and prevent complications.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

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.