Overview

Healthcare providers confirm a diagnosis of phenylketonuria (PKU) shortly after birth as part of routine newborn screening via a blood test. If your baby’s phenylalanine levels in their blood sample are high, your provider will administer additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and the type of PKU, normally with additional blood or urine tests. Since PKU is a genetic condition, a genetic test can pinpoint the mutation responsible for symptoms.

Although the majority of PKU diagnoses occur shortly after a baby is born, providers can diagnose PKU at any age if newborn screenings weren’t completed.

Are there screening tests to diagnose phenylketonuria (PKU)?

A phenylalanine screening test identifies levels of phenylalanine in your blood. Newborns receive this test between 24 to 72 hours after birth as part of the newborn screen. Your healthcare provider will take a sample of blood from your baby’s heel by poking it with a small needle. Only a few drops of blood are necessary for this test.

Products & Services
A Book: Future Care

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.


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.