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About Atrial
Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation
is a common heart r
and a common c
cause of major stroke
than 2 million pe
eople in North Ameri
common in old a
age and found in 10%
80 years old. Ab
out 20% of all stroke
atrial fibrillation.
. The elderly, or thos
pressure, diabete
es or heart disease a
get a stroke if th
hey have atrial fibrilla
Atrial fibrillation
is a rhythm problem
from a few minu
utes to days or week
Atrial fibrillation
can lead to the form
clots in the uppe
er chambers of the he
atria).These clots
s can break off and f
causing a stroke
.The use of blood thi
uis ® and others, can lo
warfarin or eliqu
18
rhythm problem
es. It affects more
ica. It is more
% of people over
es are caused by
e with high blood
are more likely to
ation.
m that can last
ks and even years.
mation of blood
eart (the
low to the brain
nners, such as
ower the risk of
stroke in patie
nts with atrial fibrilla
A doctor can co
onfirm the presence
fibrillation by u
using an EKG. Atrial f
sometimes com
me and go.So a docto
it on regularly
scheduled visits.
One sign of atr
rial fibrillation is palp
many people d
don't feel anything.T
still get a strok
ke. If someone has e
episode of atri
al fibrillation, they m
increased risk
of a stroke. The decis
blood thinners
to prevent a stroke
made by the p
patient and his docto
ation.
of atrial
ibrillation can
or may not see
pitations. But,
hese people can
ven one
may be at
sion to take
should be
r.
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