Overview
Your baby’s healthcare provider will check for signs of jaundice while you’re still in the hospital. Your baby’s bilirubin level will be highest when they’re three to five days old. It’s important that your baby’s healthcare provider checks them again within this time frame.
Your baby’s healthcare provider can estimate your baby’s bilirubin level by placing a probe on your baby’s head. This test shows the transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) level. If this level is high, your baby’s healthcare provider will order a blood test to confirm the results. They’ll prick your baby’s heel to collect a small sample of blood. The blood test shows the total serum bilirubin (TSB) level.
The American Academy of Pediatrics uses a newborn jaundice level chart to determine if a baby needs treatment. The chart is based on your baby’s total serum bilirubin level and age.
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Symptoms
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.
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