Overview
Healthcare providers diagnose BBB with two main tests:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): During an EKG, your provider attaches electrodes to the skin of your chest. You lie still while a computer records a tracing of electrical impulses that travel through your heart. An EKG can also show which side of your heart has the bundle branch block.
- Echocardiogram: During an echocardiogram (echo), your provider places a hand-held wand on your chest. High-frequency sound waves create pictures of your heart’s chambers and valves. Your provider can see the motion and rhythm of your heart as it beats. They can also check for heart disease and other underlying conditions.
If your provider diagnoses you with BBB, they will check you for related health conditions. They may recommend the following tests:
- Blood pressure reading, to look for high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Blood test, to check cholesterol levels.
- Cardiac catheterization, to look at the blood vessels in your heart.
- Nuclear cardiac stress test, to look for coronary artery (heart) disease.
- Pulmonary function testing, to see how well your lungs are working.
Products & Services
A Book: Future Care
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
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.
Print
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.
Heart Rhythm Conditions Discussions
See more discussions
Comments are closed for this post.
Related
Advertisement
Clinic Press
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Care at Freedmans Health.