EN
19
About Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial brillation 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 with older age and found in 10% of people
over 80 years old. About 20% of all strokes are caused
by atrial brillation. The elderly, or those with high blood
pressure, diabetes or heart disease are more likely to get
a stroke if they have atrial brillation.
Atrial brillation is a rhythm problem that can last from
a few minutes, to days or weeks and even years. Atrial
brillation can lead to the formation of blood clots in the
upper chambers of the heart (the atria). These clots can
break off and ow to the brain causing stroke. The use
of blood thinners, such as warfarin , can lower the risk of
stroke in patients with atrial brillation.
A doctor can conrm the presence of atrial
brillation by using an EKG. Atrial brillation can
sometimes come and go. So a doctor may not see it
on regularly scheduled visits.
One sign of atrial brillation is palpitations. But,
many people don’t feel anything. These people can
still get a stroke and should be checked for atrial
brillation regularly. Finding atrial brillation earlier
and followed by treatment can lower the chances of
getting a stroke.
To Next Page
Loading...
