3.
Important Facts about Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB)
What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB)? Normally, your heart contracts and relaxes to a regular beat.
Certain cells in your heart produce electrical signals that cause the heart to contract and pump blood. Atrial
fibrillation occurs when rapid, disorganized electrical signals are present in the heart’s two upper chambers,
called the atria; causing them to contract irregularly (this is called fibrillation). Atrial fibrillation is the most
common form of IHB (Irregular Heart Beat) or irregular heartbeat. It often causes no symptoms, yet it
significantly increases your risk of stroke. You’ll need a doctor to help you control the problem.
How does AFIB impact my family or me?
People with AFIB have a five-fold higher risk of getting stroke. Since the chance of having a stroke
increases with age, AFIB screening is recommended for people over 65 years and older. However, for
people from the age of 50 years with high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, coronary heart failure or
have had a previous stroke AFIB screening is also recommended. Early diagnosis of AFIB followed by
adequate treatment can significantly reduce the risk of getting stroke. In young people AFIB screening is not
recommended as it could generate false positive results and unnecessary anxiety. In addition, young
individuals with AFIB have a relatively low risk of getting stroke as compared to elder people. Knowing your
blood pressure and knowing whether you or your family members have AFIB can help reduce the risk of
stroke. Risk factors you can control High blood pressure and AFIB are both considered «controllable »risk
factors for strokes. Knowing your blood pressure and knowing whether you have AFIB is the first step in
proactive stroke prevention.
