AFib and stroke: Know your risk, and how to lower it
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). It affects millions of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Caused by faulty electrical signals in the heart, AFib forces the upper chamber (atria) to beat out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). While AFib itself may not always feel serious, it can lead to dangerous complications if left untreated.
Beyond the heart, AFib also impacts the brain. Irregular heartbeats can cause blood to pool in the heart, increasing the risk of clot formation. Clots in the left atrial appendage are particularly concerning — they can travel to the brain, block blood vessels and cause a stroke.
“AFib raises your risk for other harmful conditions,” says Georges Joseph, MD, cardiovascular disease specialist with HCA Florida Healthcare. “Fortunately, early detection and treatment of AFib can lower your risk of dangerous cardiac events like heart failure and stroke.”
How are stroke and AFib connected?
Strokes happen when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptures, and is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. According to the American Heart Association, AFib causes about 15% of strokes.
Left untreated, patients with AFib are three to five times more likely to experience an ischemic stroke (caused by clots) than those without AFib. Several factors can increase your risk of stroke, including older age (usually over age 65), being female, having diabetes, or a history of stroke. Other heart conditions such as heart failure, certain heart valve diseases and peripheral artery disease can further elevate the risk.
High blood pressure is another major risk factor for stroke, and uncontrolled high blood pressure can eventually lead to AFib – which elevates your stroke risk even further.
What are the symptoms of AFib?
While some patients with AFib don’t experience any symptoms, the most common feeling is a fluttering, fast or pounding heartbeat, known as palpitations. AFib can also cause dizziness or fainting, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath or weakness. These symptoms can be constant or come and go.
If you suspect you have AFib, especially if symptoms persist or worsen, speak with your doctor. A physical exam and noninvasive tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), can help confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
Concerned about your heart health? This quick assessment can help you better understand your risk and make choices that will keep it beating strong.
What are the symptoms of stroke?
It’s easy to remember the symptoms of stroke with the FAST acronym:
- Facial drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you think you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, call 911 and seek emergency care right away.
“Time is brain, and patients who get stroke care fast have more treatment options available to lower their risk of further brain damage,” says Dr. Joseph.
How is AFib treated?
AFib treatments include medications to restore your normal heart rhythm and prevent blood clots. These medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and blood thinners. Your doctor may also use a procedure called cardioversion therapy to restore your heart’s rhythm. If these treatments aren’t successful, cardiac ablation may be recommended. This catheter procedure helps repair your regular heart rhythm by eliminating the parts of your heart responsible for the abnormal rhythm.
Lowering stroke and AFib risk
You can lower your risk of stroke with AFib by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol can reduce your risk of stroke.
Prioritizing sleep and managing stress are also key.
If you’re at higher risk, your doctor may prescribe anticoagulants, a type of medication that reduces blood clots. They may also suggest a procedure that closes off the left atrial appendage so clots can’t get out and travel to the brain.
“We have many options for treating AFib, but the first step is speaking with your physician, learning more about your risk and finding the right treatment options to protect your heart and brain,” says Dr. Joseph.
Better heart health is just a call away
As the state’s largest cardiovascular network, we make it easy for our patients to connect to heart, lung and vascular specialists close to home. Get connected with a heart doctor in the HCA Florida Healthcare network when you call our cardiovascular physician referral line at (833) 544-5031.