More Ways Afib Can Negatively Affect Someone’s Health
Medications
People with Afib often need to take medications to slow the heart rate and/or control the heart rhythm. Blood thinners are often used to prevent clots, and thus prevent stroke. These medications may have the following side effects:6,7
- Excessive bleeding
- Bleeding in the brain
- Bleeding in the stomach or intestines
- Blood in stool or urine
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth, eyes, and skin
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the abdomen, ankles, or feet
- Reddish-colored skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
Quality of Life
A person’s quality of life can decline due to:8
- Symptoms of Afib
- Side effects of medication
- Stress over medications
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Frequent clinic and doctor visits9
Decreased Activity
The symptoms of Afib can cause a person to become less physically active. This may also lead to fewer social activities with friends and family.8
These are some reasons why it’s so important to get treatment for your Afib.