Prolactinoma

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and do a physical exam. If you have milky nipple discharge, they may do a breast exam. They’ll likely recommend one or more of the following tests to diagnose prolactinoma:

Prolactin blood test: If your blood test result reveals that you have higher-than-normal prolactin levels, your provider will likely recommend image testing to confirm or rule out a prolactinoma diagnosis.
MRI scan or CT scan: These imaging tests can help your provider locate the tumor and determine its size. Providers prefer using MRI scans to diagnose prolactinomas, but a CT scan is the next option if an MRI scan isn’t safe for you.
Testosterone level blood test: If you’re a person AMAB, your provider will likely want to test your testosterone levels.

If you receive a prolactinoma diagnosis, your provider may recommend additional blood tests to check the levels of other pituitary hormones. If you have a large prolactinoma, your provider may recommend an eye exam to see if it’s affecting your vision.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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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?

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