Diverticulitis

Overview

If you and your healthcare provider already know that you have diverticulosis, they might recognize your symptoms as possible diverticulitis. But people often don’t know, and the symptoms of diverticulitis can resemble many other conditions. Your healthcare provider may begin with some routine tests to rule out other causes, such as a blood test (comprehensive metabolic panel), stool test or urine test.

When your provider suspects diverticulitis, they’ll look for it on imaging tests. A CT scan works well: it’s quick and can show the extent of the inflammation as well as any related complications. In some cases, your provider might need to look inside your colon with a lighted scope to investigate further. This is called a colonoscopy. They might be able to treat some complications during the colonoscopy.

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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.