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Special Function (cont.)
About Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
Afib 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 Afib.
The elderly, or those with high blood pressure,
diabetes or heart disease are more likely to get a
stroke if they have Afib.
Afib can last from a few minutes, to days or weeks
and even years. Afib 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.
The use of blood thinners, such as warfarin, can
lower the risk of a stroke in patients with Afib.
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A doctor can confirm the presence of Afib by using a
12-lead 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
stroke in the end; whereas early detection followed
by adequate treatment can reduce the chance of
stroke by two-thirds.
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