Itchy Skin (Pruritus)

To diagnose pruritus, your provider will physically examine your skin and will gather more information about your symptoms and your medical history. Your provider might ask you questions including:

When did the itching start?
Did you make any changes to your personal care products (soaps, lotions, etc.) before you started itching?
Have you had other symptoms, such as weight loss, feeling very tired, night sweats or increased thirst?
Did you start taking any new medications?
Did you touch something specific, such as a plant or a new pet?

What tests diagnose pruritus?

Your provider might offer tests to confirm a diagnosis. Testing can help determine what caused your symptoms. Your itching might be the primary problem or it might be a symptom of another condition. Tests may include:

Allergy tests to indicate if you’re reacting to something in your environment.
Blood tests to reveal vitamin and mineral deficiencies or problems with your internal organs like your liver, kidneys or thyroid.
Imaging tests (chest X-ray) to reveal conditions that extend beneath your skin, like cancer.
Skin biopsy to identify skin conditions that cause itching. This test involves taking a small sample of skin and examining it under a microscope.

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.