There’s many conditions out there that can increase the risk of a stroke and Atrial Fibrillation(AFib) is one of them. AFib is a condition that causes irregular heartbeats, sometimes even rapid heartbeats. Because of those irregular heartbeats, blood clots can form in the heart which could travel to the brain, resulting in a stroke.

Diagnosis of AFib

AFib can be found in a person of any age but is most commonly diagnosed in our seniors, aged 65 and up. Diabetes, blood pressure, and heart disease can all increase the risk of AFib which can cause severe health problems such as a stroke. AFib is not life threatening, but it can be if the symptoms are left undiagnosed and untreated. Strokes that occur to those with Atrial Fibrillation can be twice as severe as those without AFib, causing fatal results.

A diagnosis of AFib can be given by a doctor and afterwards, a shared treatment plan is recommended. There are various treatments for this condition and what might work for others might not work for you. It’s best to discuss your possible options with a doctor before moving onward to the next step.

The good news is that there are treatments for this diagnosis that can greatly reduce the risk of a stroke and it can be properly managed. Just like many other conditions of its kind, it cannot be cured, but it can be well managed.

Symptoms and Treatments

While it is entirely possible to not experience any symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation, there are the key things to look out for:

  • Fatigue
  • Tightened Chest
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety/Confusion
  • Chest pain/pressure
  • Low blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat

Another symptom to look out for is your pulse, if you or a doctor has detected any changes in your pulse, a diagnosis might be beneficial to you. Better safe than sorry, they say!

Treatment for AFib can go hand-in-hand with treatments for strokes. Common treatments are medications and surgeries, although there are many therapies available for post surgery and post stroke patients.These therapies can include mental rehabilitation as well as physical, although both are extremely helpful in recovery.  A doctor will recommend the best course of action, depending on some factors such as heart conditions, reactions to medications, and your overall health.

A popular treatment for AFib is something as simple as a different lifestyle. A healthy diet, well managed health, and reduced stress are some of the simpler ways to reduce the risk of a stroke caused by AFib. It’s crucial to remember medications during treatments, just like any other condition, for treatments to work properly it’s important that the patient keeps up with medications and therapies.

If the case is severe enough and the doctor approves it, surgery might even be recommended. Strokes and other fatal conditions such as heart disease brought on by Atrial Fibrillation can be managed and prevented if caught in its early stages.  

source: stroke.org