Heatstroke

Overview

Heat stroke diagnoses usually happen in the emergency room. Providers quickly need to get a sense of what you were doing when symptoms started and what exactly you’re experiencing. They’ll check your internal (core) body temperature (typically using a rectal thermometer) and other vital signs. They’ll talk to you, if you’re able, and learn more from anyone who’s with you.

Testing to diagnose heat stroke

There’s no single diagnostic test for heat stroke. But providers can rule out other conditions with similar symptoms and check for heat stroke complications by doing:

Blood tests.
Urine (pee) tests.
Electrocardiogram (EKG).
Chest X-ray.

If providers suspect heat stroke, they’ll start treatment immediately, even if they’re still ruling out other conditions. That’s because prompt treatment is vital to survival.

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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?

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