Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for atrial fibrillation ("A-fib") or atrial flutter ("A-flutter").
The top 2 chambers of the heart are called the "atria." They pump blood into the larger bottom chambers, which then pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. In A-fib and A-flutter, the heart beats abnormally and the top chambers stop pumping blood as strongly as normal. When this happens, the blood can form clots. Sometimes, the clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
You might need medicines to treat your A-fib or A-flutter. These can include medicines to help:
●Control the rhythm and speed of your heartbeat
●Prevent clots from forming
If medicines do not work, you might need a procedure.
How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to. You might need to make an appointment with a heart doctor, called a "cardiologist."
●Take all your medicines as instructed.
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help.
●If you have high blood pressure, follow your regular doctor's instructions to manage your blood pressure.
●If your doctor told you how to check your pulse at home, make sure you know how to do so and when to call the doctor.
●Try to get some physical activity each day. Even gentle activity, like walking, is good for your health.
●Avoid or limit alcohol.
●Avoid cocaine, amphetamines, or other illegal drugs. They can make your heart beat faster and damage your heart.
When should I get emergency help? —
The sooner treatment begins, the better your changes for recovery. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you have:
•Severe trouble breathing
•Symptoms of a heart attack – These can include severe chest pain, pressure, or discomfort with:
-Breathing trouble, sweating, nausea, or cold, clammy skin
-Pain in your arms, back, or jaw
-Worse pain with activity like walking up stairs
•Symptoms of a stroke, which can include:
-Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on 1 side of the body
-Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding
-Trouble seeing in 1 or both eyes
-Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
-Severe headache with no known cause
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Have more trouble breathing during activity or when lying down
●Feel your heart racing, and it does not stop after a while (for example, 1 hour)
●Are lightheaded or more tired than normal
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Atrial fibrillation (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines for atrial fibrillation (The Basics)
Patient education: Atrial flutter (The Basics)
