Overview
A healthcare provider will diagnose neurofibromatosis type 1 after a physical exam and testing. During the exam, they’ll look for signs of the condition and learn more about your symptoms.
Tests may include:
- Imaging tests, like an MRI, X-ray or CT scan.
- Genetic testing.
- An eye exam.
For many people, an NF1 diagnosis occurs during adulthood. This happens because symptoms appear in stages as you age. For example, you might be born with café au lait spots (or they appear during the first few years), but freckles might not appear in your underarms or groin area until age 3 to 5. Neurofibromas are common during adulthood. Vision changes usually lead people to visit a healthcare provider to seek a diagnosis.
Products & Services
A Book: Future Care
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
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.
Print
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.
Heart Rhythm Conditions Discussions
See more discussions
Comments are closed for this post.
Related
Advertisement
Clinic Press
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Care at Freedmans Health.