POEMS Syndrome

Your provider will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They’ll perform a physical exam to check for signs of POEMS syndrome.

Your provider may perform several tests, including:

Blood and urine tests: Your provider may test a blood or urine sample to see if you have high levels of M-protein or VEGF. They may perform a blood test to see if you have an abnormal amount of blood cells or abnormal-looking blood cells that may be signs of POEMS.
Imaging: X-rays and CT scans allow your provider to see if your bones have hardened or thickened. These changes can occur if you have too much M-protein.
Bone marrow biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy can reveal if you have abnormal-looking plasma cells or a high number of plasma cells.
Electromyogram (EMG): An EMG is a test that measures nerve function. It can help your provider diagnose polyneuropathy.

Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests depending on your symptoms, including breathing tests, echocardiograms or endocrine tests.

If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), your provider may run tests to see if you have POEMS syndrome.

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.