Appendicitis

Overview

A healthcare provider will ask you detailed questions about your pain and other symptoms. They’ll perform a gentle physical exam to check for physical signs of appendicitis, such as guarding, stiffening and pain in response to pressure. If you have the typical profile of symptoms, they may be able to diagnose you right away. If you don’t, they may need to order further tests to confirm appendicitis.

What tests can diagnose appendicitis?

Appendicitis tests typically include blood tests and imaging tests. Blood tests can show signs of inflammation, such as a high white blood cell count or C-reactive protein count, and they can help identify an infection. Imaging tests, such as an abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan, can show if your appendix is swollen. A healthcare provider may order additional tests to rule out other conditions.

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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.