• Atrial fibrillation, often called “AFib,” is a condition in which the left atrium of the heart beats rapidly and irregularly. • The weak, irregular contractions lead to slow blood flow, making blood more likely to pool or clot. • Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is made by analyzing heart activity data from an electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Common symptoms include heart palpitations/fluttering, chest pain, tiredness, difficulty breathing, and light-headedness. • AFib can have numerous possible causes, including high blood pressure, heart failure, heart valve defects, lung disease, excessive thyroid activity, or alcohol abuse. • For some patients, the cause of their atrial fibrillation remains unknown.
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A stroke is potentially fatal and occurs when a blood vessel is blocked or ruptured. If the brain is unable to receive oxygen and nutrients, its tissues will begin to die.
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The slow movement of blood in the atrium of patients with AFib increases the risk of blood clot formation, thereby increasing the risk that a clot will flow into the brain and cause a stroke.
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Although high blood pressure is the most frequent risk factor for strokes, AFib is generally considered the most deadly.¹
• Determining a person’s risk for stroke depends on their risk factors, including: • Advanced age—individuals 75 or older are at the greatest risk • Obesity • Low fitness/activity level • High blood pressure • Smoking or alcohol abuse • Other contributing health factors, such as atrial fibrillation or diabetes
• If you have been prescribed medication for high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, make sure you are taking it appropriately per your doctor’s instructions. • Other ways to reduce your risk: • Not smoking • Exercising regularly • Monitoring blood pressure and working to reduce it if it is high • Maintaining a healthy weight • Limiting alcohol consumption
• Approximately 2.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.²
• The risk of stroke for those with high blood pressure is nearly twice the normal risk, while the risk of stroke for patients with AFib is more than five times the normal risk.¹ • Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
• The good news is that 80% of strokes are preventable.³
• If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and you suspect you may be at risk of a stroke, it’s important to work with a doctor and develop a plan to prevent strokes before they can strike. • In addition to your primary care physician, you may need to see an electrophysiologist, a doctor who specializes in electrical disorders of the heart. • Crystal Run Healthcare has expert electrophysiologists on staff to help with all your electrical cardiac needs.
Crystal Run Healthcare is a multi-specialty medical practice in the Hudson Valley that provides patients with friendly, convenient, highquality care. From primary care physicians to cardiovascular specialists, we have a strong team of experts you can trust to safeguard your health. You can easily book an appointment online with electrophysiologists at Crystal Run Healthcare or contact us if you need additional assistance.
1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/why-atrialfibrillation-af-or-afib-matters/high-blood-pressure-afib-and-your-risk-ofstroke 2. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Atrial-Fibrillation-andStroke-Information-Page 3. https://www.strokeassociation.org/en/about-stroke