Overview
Cardiologists can sometimes diagnose this condition with an echocardiogram before birth. Some babies don’t get a diagnosis until they’re several weeks or months old.
After your baby is born, their provider will do a physical exam and listen to your baby’s heart. A pulse oximeter (pulse ox) can measure the amount of oxygen in your baby’s blood. It fits over your baby’s big toe and sends information through a wire.
To see pictures of your child’s heart, a provider may use:
- Chest X-ray.
- CT (computed tomography) scan.
- Heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
- Echocardiogram.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG).
Some of these tests (MRI) may require anesthesia, but they’re all noninvasive. They allow your baby’s healthcare provider to see images of your baby’s heart and veins. They also help them evaluate blood flow and look for abnormalities.
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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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