Living With Atrial Fibrillation: Your Daily Guide

Take your medicines

• Your blood thinner helps prevent clots and stroke.
• Other heart medicines control the speed or pattern of your heartbeat.
• Take each as directed, even when your heartbeat feels normal.
• Ask before adding medicines or supplements.

Check your pulse

• Rest first. Put two fingers on the thumb side of your other wrist.
• Count beats for 1 full minute. Write down the number and symptoms.
• Your care team's pulse limits: ____________.
• Call if you cannot count it or it stays outside your limits.

Limit things that trigger symptoms

• Avoid or reduce alcohol. Avoid energy drinks and excess caffeine.
• Cut back on caffeine if it brings on symptoms.
• Ask before taking cold medicines for a stuffy nose.

Care for your sleep and heart

• Report loud snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep.
• Use your prescribed sleep-breathing treatment.
• Stop smoking. Follow your activity and blood pressure plans.

Remember BE FAST

• B, Balance: sudden loss of balance.
• E, Eyes: sudden vision loss or change.
• F, Face: one side droops.
• A, Arms: one arm becomes weak.
• S, Speech: speech becomes slurred or strange.
• T, Time: call 911. Note when symptoms began.