• HDL is called the “good’ cholesterol. It
moves out of the bloodstream and does
not block your blood vessels. HDL levels
are affected by how much you exercise and
what you eat. For most people, HDL should
be 40 or higher if you’re a man and 50 or
higher if you’re a woman.
My HDL Cholesterol is: __________________
• LDL is called the “bad” cholesterol. This
is because it can stick to your artery walls
and block blood flow. LDL levels are most
affected by what you eat. For most people,
LDL should be lower than 100.
My LDL Cholesterol is: __________________
• Triglyceride is a type of fat the body uses
to store energy. Too much triglyceride
can increase your risk for heart disease.
Triglyceride levels should be under 150.
My triglyceride is: __________________
extra electrical signals. These extra signals
make the atria beat very quickly and unevenly.
• The atria beat so fast and unevenly that
they may quiver instead of contracting. If
the atria don’t contract, they don’t move
enough blood into the ventricles. This is
what leads to symptoms such as dizziness
and weakness.
• Blood that isn’t kept moving can pool and
form clots in the atria. These clots can
move into other parts of the body and
cause serious problems, such as a stroke.
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation: Palpitations
(a fluttering, fast heartbeat), weakness or
tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain or
tightness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or
fainting spells.
Taking Coumadin
What is Atrial Flutter/
Atrial Fibrillation?
Coumadin (warfarin) helps keep your blood
from clotting. But it also increases your risk
for bleeding. Because of this, it must be
taken exactly as directed. You also need to
protect yourself from injury.
Electrical system problems of the heart may
make the atria beat faster than normal. If the
atria beat quickly, but still evenly, it is called
atrial flutter. If the atria beat very quickly
and unevenly, it is called atrial fibrillation.
Follow These Tips
• Take Coumadin at the same time each day.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you
remember – unless it’s almost time for your
next dose. If so, skip the missed dose. Do
not take a double dose.
• Go for your blood (protime/INR) tests
as often as directed. Note that diet and
medication can affect your protime/INR level.
When the Atria Beat Too Fast
The atria may beat quickly only once in
a while (paroxysmal). Or, they may beat
quickly all the time (chronic). Atrial flutter or
fibrillation can be caused by such things as a
heart attack, high blood pressure, or a thyroid
problem. Or the cause may be unknown.
My protime/INR is between ______________
and ______________.
• Don’t take any other medications without
checking with your healthcare provider
first. This includes aspirin, vitamins, and
herbal and other dietary supplements.
• Tell all healthcare providers that you take
Coumadin. It’s also a good idea to carry
a medical ID card or wear a medical-alert
bracelet.
• Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• Don’t go barefoot. And don’t trim corns or
calluses yourself.
Atrial Flutter
• With atrial flutter, signals travel around and
around inside the atria. Circling signals tell
the atria to beat quickly.
• Atrial flutter can cause symptoms similar to
atrial fibrillation. It can also lead to the even
faster, uneven rhythms of atrial fibrillation.
Atrial Fibrillation
• With atrial fibrillation, cells in the atria send
21
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
You have been told that you have an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). An AVM is an
abnormal tangle of blood vessels within the brain. Over time, pressure can build up and the
AVM can rupture (burst). If you have an AVM, you were probably born with it. But most people
don’t know they have one until a problem occurs. Signs of an AVM include bad headaches,
blurred or double vision, and seizures (jerking movements that are out of your control).
A Problem with Blood Flow
An AVM is a tangle of blood vessels. It can
cause pressure to build up in the blood vessel
and prevent normal blood flow. If the pressure
becomes too great, a blood vessel can burst
and blood can leak into the brain. This can
damage parts of the brain that control vital
body functions such as sight and movement. In
some cases, problems caused by an AVM can
even lead to death. But an AVM can be treated.
Treating an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
It’s important to get medical attention for an AVM as soon as possible. Often, immediate
treatment may help avoid serious complications of some AVMs. Current surgical methods
make treatment for AVM safer and more effective than ever. The goal of treatment is to stop
the flow of blood within the AVM.
Surgery for AVM
Surgical resection removes the tangled blood vessels.
• Reaching the brain: the surgeon uses a procedure called craniotomy to reach the brain.
During a craniotomy, small holes called burr holes are made in the skull. The bone between
the holes is cut and lifted away. Finally, the surgeon opens the dura and exposes the brain.
• Removing the AVM: once the surgeon has access to the AVM, the abnormal arteries and
veins are removed. This redirects blood flow to normal vessels, preventing the AVM from
bursting and leaking blood.
• Closing the skull: when the AVM has been removed, the dura covering the brain is closed.
In most cases, the skull bone is put back. The skull bone can be held in place using several
methods. Titanium clamps are often used, as they provide the most stability and cover the
burr holes. After the clamps are in place, the skin incision is closed with stitches or staples.
Other Treatments
AVMs sometimes require a combination of treatments. Other treatm [? ?[?? YN???(?H?Y[??\??\?N? ?YX][?
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