Atrial Fibrillation: What You Need to Know: A Beginner's Guide for Patients and Caregivers (Consumer Health Guides Book 1)

++The Fifth Edition, published September 8, 2014, is now available, with updates on the latest information on atrial fibrillation, including the latest news on dabigatran, (Pradaxa), and rivaroxaban, (Xarelto), two of the blood thinning medications (anticoagulants) often prescribed for patients with atrial fibrillation, plus news on the drug digoxin, and the effectiveness of catheter ablation for AFib.



Atrial Fibrillation is a particular type of irregular heart beat which can have dangerous consequences to your health if left untreated. People with atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as AF or AFib, are more prone to blood clots, which can lead to heart attack, stroke or even death.



Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments available for atrial fibrillation, including several recently approved medications, medical devices, and surgical interventions. In this Fifth Edition, published September 8, 2014, the authors bring you the latest research and findings, including:



+ What Afib is

+ What causes it

+ Who is likely to suffer from it

+ What the symptoms are of AFib

+ How AF is diagnosed



and much more.



Being diagnosed with any medical condition can be so devastating for some people that it may seem like the end of the world. Learning all you can about the disease can give you help, and hope. This guide is designed for those who have recently been diagnosed, or those who want to help support a loved one with AFib.



Knowledge is power when it comes to making the right treatment decisions in cooperation with your doctor. Learn about the most effective treatment options for AFib, including:



+ Effective preventive measures

+ Medications

+ Medical devices

+ Surgical options and interventions

+ Treatments currently in clinical trials



and more, to help you take charge of your health today.



Discover invaluable inside information on what it's like to receive and live with an implantable defibrillator, why doctors are reconsidering 'standard' approached to treating AFib, and where to find even more information to help personalize your AFib treatment plan.



You will also learn:



+ The implications of high blood pressure in relation to AFib

+ Why sleep apnea can be so dangerous for anyone, but particularly in reference to a person with AFib

+ Why diabetics need to be on the alert for AFib

and more.



Handy appendices at the back of the guide also give you:



+ The latest news, headlines and research on atrial fibrillation

+ Signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke

+ Where to get help for your high blood pressure

+ Weight loss resources

+ Stop smoking support

+ A range of worksheets to keep you organized as you care for yourself and your family



and much more.



If you suffer from atrial fibrillation and want to improve your health, these can all be positive steps in the right direction to help treat your AFib. As with many medical conditions, time is of the essence to get your AFib under control and try to get the best results. Order now, start reading instantly, to take charge of your health TODAY.



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CH 1: WHO CAN BE AFFECTED BY ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?

2: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AF?

3: WHAT HAPPENS TO THE HEART WHEN AF OCCURS?

4: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF AF?

5: WHAT CAUSES AF?

6: HOW TO PREVENT AF

7: RISK OF STROKE IN AF

8: A SUMMARY OF WHAT WE HAVE DISCUSSED THUS FAR

9: YOUR DOCTOR’S REASONING PROCESS BEHIND DEALING WITH AND TREATING AF

10: HOW IS AF DIAGNOSED?

11: TREATMENTS FOR AF

+ 30 Essential Questions to Ask Your Doctor

12: MEDICATIONS FOR AF

13: MEDICAL DEVICES FOR AF

14: SURGERY FOR AF

15: AF AND OTHER HEALTH ISSUES



CONCLUSION

GLOSSARY

RESOURCES

FURTHER READING

5 APPENDICES

==

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Evelyn Trimborn and Carolyn Stone have worked in consumer health and continuing medical education (CME) publishing for nearly 20 years and are the authors of over 80 health guides.