When most people think of atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, they immediately think of the fluttering, quivering feeling that is caused by the irregularity of the beating of the upper chambers of the heart. As a family caregiver, however, it is important that you understand that these are not the only signs and symptoms that could indicate this condition. Recognizing other potential signs and symptoms can allow you to better monitor your parent’s health so that you can ensure that if they do develop this condition they will be able to seek out the care and support that they need.

Some of the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Thumping feeling in the chest
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Pressure
• Faintness
• Confusion
• Increased fatigue when physically active

There are several types of AFib, and though the basic symptoms are the same across these types, the type can affect the length of the episodes and the type of interventions that are feasible.

It is very important to note that not all people who are living with atrial fibrillation will experience symptoms. In fact, some people who have this condition do not experience any signs of the condition at all, including the fluttering heartbeat that is most expected. When this happens, only a medical examination will indicate the presence of this condition. This can be a very serious situation. If your parent is not aware of their AFib, they are at increased risk of the serious consequences that can result from it. Talk to your elderly parent’s doctor about their risk for atrial fibrillation and if they need regular examinations to keep track of their heart health.

If you have been looking for ways to enhance your parent’s quality of life, ensure that they get all of the care and support that they need, and encourage them to maintain as much independence and fulfillment as possible as they age in place, starting elderly care for them may be the ideal choice. An elderly home care services provider can be with your parent on a schedule that is right for both of you, ensuring that you are able to manage your parent’s care in the way that you can while also filling care gaps efficiently and effectively. The highly personalized services of such a care provider are specifically tailored to address your loved one’s individual needs, challenges, and limitations so that they can pursue a lifestyle that is safe, healthy, comfortable, independent, and fulfilling as they age in place.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elderly care in Mauldin, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.  Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_atrial_fibrillation.htm

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/What-is-Atrial-Fibrillation-AFib-or-AF_UCM_423748_Article.jsp#.WZbe5vmGPIU

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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