Ebstein Anomaly

A provider will review your symptoms and check your vital signs. You may need tests to find out how well your heart is functioning, such as:

Cardiac imaging: A chest X-ray can show an enlarged heart. A cardiac MRI provides greater detail of the valves and chambers.
Echocardiogram: This is an ultrasound of your heart. An echocardiogram helps your provider check the structure and function of your heart valves and chambers.
Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the electrical impulses of your heart. An electrocardiogram can detect an abnormal heart rhythm.
Exercise stress test: This is an electrocardiogram your provider usually performs while you exercise (such as running on a treadmill or riding a bicycle). An exercise stress test measures how well your heart functions when it has to work hard.
Holter monitor: You wear this device for 24 to 48 hours while it collects electrocardiogram measurements of each heartbeat. A Holter monitor helps your provider evaluate your heart rhythm and heart rate over a longer period of time.

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.