10 Medical Terms Every Senior Should Know (No More Guessing at the Doctor’s Office)

Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)

If your heart’s skipping beats like a teenager in love, it might not be romance—it could be A-Fib. Many people assume a fluttery heartbeat is harmless. But A-Fib is an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots and strokes.

You might not even feel it happening, which is why doctors sometimes find it during routine exams. If they mention blood thinners, don’t panic. Those meds help prevent clots that can cause strokes. It’s not about “fixing” your heartbeat—it’s about keeping your brain safe.