People with Atrial fibrillation may be five times more likely to have a stroke than people without it.
We asked Doylestown Health electrophysiologist Robert Sangrigoli, MD about the connection between Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and stroke and why it's so important to recognize.
What is the connection between stroke and atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a leading risk factor for stroke. With atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and rapidly, which may impair your heart's ability to squeeze, relax and empty itself of blood. As a result, blood does not move quickly, becomes more stagnant and is prone to forming blood clots that can travel in the blood stream towards the brain and block blood flow to the brain causing a stroke.
Who is more likely to have atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is estimated to affect 2.7 million people in the U.S. Atrial fibrillation can often occur without symptoms, making it difficult for people to know if they have it. The older you are, the greater your risk of developing atrial fibrillation. In particular, AFib is more common in people over the age of 60.
Anyone with heart problems such as valve problems, heart failure, heart attack and heart surgery are at increased risk. High blood pressure is also a risk factor, especially if blood pressure is not well controlled. Sleep apnea, obesity, diabetes and other medical conditions such as thyroid problems may also increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Alcohol, especially binge drinking, increases the risk of atrial fibrillation. Some people have no traditional risk factors, but still develop atrial fibrillation. In these cases, family history or a genetic predisposition may exist.
How are strokes that are caused by atrial fibrillation different than other types of stroke?
Strokes in atrial fibrillation tend to be more disabling and are more likely to be fatal than strokes in patients without atrial fibrillation.
The A,B,Cs of AFib Management
This handy mnemonic (memory aid) is used to remind patients of the important parts of atrial fibrillation management:
A = Avoid Stroke
Most strokes in people with atrial fibrillation can be prevented. The key is early diagnosis. The problem is that atrial fibrillation is often intermittent and can sometimes exist without symptoms. The National Stroke Association recommends checking your pulse at least once a month for an irregular rhythm, which is a sign of possible atrial fibrillation. Always ask your doctor to check your pulse as well.
B = Better management of symptoms
The most important goal of treating atrial fibrillation is preventing blood clot formation and reducing the risk of stroke. In some people an aspirin a day may be enough, but most people with atrial fibrillation will require a more potent form of blood thinner to prevent blood clot formation. Today, there are a variety of options available for blood thinning and your doctor can explain the possible risks as well as the expected benefits of each option so that you and your doctor can choose the best blood thinner for you.
C = CV and Co-morbidity management
Anyone with heart problems such as valve disease, heart failure, heart attack and heart surgery are at increased risk. High blood pressure is also a risk factor, especially if blood pressure is not well controlled. Sleep apnea, obesity, diabetes and other medical conditions such as thyroid problems may also increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Alcohol, especially binge drinking, also increases the risk of atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation can often cause fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations and dizziness. Atrial fibrillation can sometimes cause serious heart damage without causing symptoms. Treatments to make people feel better and protect the heart may include slowing the heart rate of an abnormally beating heart or restoring normal rhythm to the heart, which may be achieved with medications or procedures such as cardioversion or ablation. If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, your doctor should discuss all these options with you and together you can pick the treatment that is best for you.
Hear From a Patient About His AFib Journey. Learn About Theo’s Story.
About Doylestown Health's Heart & Vascular Services
Expert cardiologists and cardiac surgeons assist patients and physicians with managing risk factors for heart disease, offer advanced treatment options and provide outstanding emergency cardiac care. Doylestown Hospital’s accredited Chest Pain Center is fully prepared to treat cardiac emergencies around the clock, focusing on rapid diagnosis and effective treatment. The multidisciplinary team at the Woodall Center for Heart and Vascular Care is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality care and patient safety.
