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About Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm problem and
a common cause of major strokes. It affects more than
2 million people in North America. It is more common in
old age and found in 10% of people over 80 years old.
About 20% of all strokes are caused by atrial fibrillation.
The elderly, or those with high blood pressure, diabetes
or heart disease are more likely to get a stroke if they
have atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation is a rhythm problem that can last from
a few minutes, to days or weeks and even years. Atrial
fibrillation can lead to the formation of blood clots in the
upper chambers of the heart (the atria). These clots can
break off and flow to the brain causing stroke. The use
of blood thinners, such as warfarin , can lower the risk of
stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
A doctor can confirm the presence of atrial
fibrillation by using an EKG. Atrial fibrillation can
sometimes come and go. So a doctor may not see its
symptoms on regularly scheduled visits.
One sign of atrial fibrillation is palpitations. But,
many people don’t feel anything. These people can
still get a stroke and should be checked for atrial
fibrillation regularly. Diagnosing atrial fibrillation
earlier and followed by treatment can lower the
chances of getting a stroke.
