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Special Function (cont.)
About Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm
problem. It affects more than 2 million people in
North America. It is more common in older age and
it is found in 18% individuals aged 85 years and
older. It is a common cause of major strokes. About
15% 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 cause blood clots in the
upper chambers of the heart (the atria). These clots
can break off and flow to the brain causing a stroke.
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The use of blood thinners, such as warfarin, can
lower the risk of a stroke in patients with atrial
fibrillation.
A doctor can confirm the presence of Afib by using
an ECG. Sometimes Afib is present incidentally.
Therefore, a doctor may not see it on regularly
scheduled visits.
One method of detecting Afib is by mean of
palpations. This method is not very reliable. Failure
of detecting Afib may lead to the occurrence of a
stoke in the end; whereas early detection may lead
to early treatment that can significantly reduce the
chances of a stroke.
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