Overview
Healthcare providers diagnose PAPVR through a physical exam and testing. During an exam, your provider uses a stethoscope to listen to your heart. Some people with PAPVR have a heart murmur. If your provider suspects a problem, they’ll order further testing.
The age of diagnosis for PAPVR varies widely from infancy through late adulthood. You can live with PAPVR for much of your life but not know it because you have no symptoms. Sometimes, testing for another purpose reveals the anomaly.
What tests diagnose this condition?
Tests that help providers diagnose PAPVR include:
- Echocardiogram, especially a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).
- Heart MRI.
- Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan.
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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.
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