What is Atrial Fibrillation?²

Atrial Fibrillation or AF is a heart condition where the heartbeat becomes irregular and often too fast. Normally, your heart beats at a steady 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest. But with AF, the heart may beat 100 to 120 times per minute—or even faster.

This happens because the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) don’t contract properly. As a result, the heart isn’t able to pump blood as efficiently as it should, which can lead to serious health risks.

The Stroke Connection: The Greatest Risk of AF is Stroke³

The biggest danger of AF is stroke. Having AF increases your risk of stroke by up to five times. When the heartbeat is irregular, blood can pool inside the heart. This may cause a clot to form, and if that clot travels to the brain, it can block a blood vessel—triggering a stroke.

What are the Signs of Stroke?^2,4

Quick action can save a life. To help you remember the warning signs, think FAST:

F – Face drooping

A – Arm weakness

S – Speech difficulty

T – Time to call emergency services    

In people with AF, you might also notice:

• Irregular pulse
• Palpitations (racing heartbeat)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Feelings of fear or anxiety

How to Lower Your Risk of Stroke?⁵

The good news? There are steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Keep a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly (moderate activity works wonders)
• Manage stress
• Avoid smoking
• Limit alcohol and caffeine

Medical Care and Prevention

For people with AF, doctors may prescribe blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke. Since AF can sometimes have no obvious symptoms, regular checkups are very important.

Talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors, and ask what steps you can take to lower your chances of stroke. Early detection and prevention can make all the difference.