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What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?

AFib is a common condition in the heart that causes the atria - the upper two chambers of the heart - to beat very fast and irregularly. When this happens, blood isn't pumped through the heart as well as it should be, which makes people with AFib vulnerable to the formation of a blood clot in the atria.

AFib is the most prevalent sustained cardiac arrhythmia (heart irregularity) in the United States, affecting more than 2.2 million Americans. In the past 20 years, there has been a 66 percent increase in hospital admissions for AFib, due to the aging population.

Looking ahead, it is estimated that AFib will affect more than 12 million people in the U.S. by 2050.

What are the symptoms of AFib?
AFib can produce a broad range of symptoms, or none at all. Because it is characterized by an irregular and fast heart rate, patients often experience unpleasant palpitations or discomfort in the chest. The inefficient pumping ability of the heart may cause weakness, faintness, and shortness of breath.

How do I know if I'm at risk?
Age is a major risk factor for AFib; the average age of people with AFib is about 75, and approximately 70 percent of those people are between 65 and 85 years of age. Underlying heart disease and having had prior heart surgery are the most common risk factors of AFib. It is possible to have AFib when there are no other signs of a heart disorder. Other risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), and excessive alcohol consumption.

AFib and stroke risk
During AFib, the atria (upper chambers of the heart), don't pump all of the blood in the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart). Some blood pools in the atria. When this happens, a blood clot can form. If the clot breaks off and travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.

People with AFib are at a five-fold increased risk for stroke compared with the general population. At least 15-20 percent of all strokes occur in patients with AFib.

Several factors are considered when assessing the risk of a stroke for a person with AFib. People who have had a prior stroke are at high risk. Additional factors that increase risk of stroke in people with AFib include being 75 or older, high blood pressure, heart failure and diabetes.

How can I manage stroke risk with AFib?
People with AFib have treatment options to help reduce the risk of stroke, including medication that thins the blood to help prevent blood clot formation. Unfortunately, nearly half of people with AFib do not receive appropriate preventive medicine to help protect against the risk of stroke.

Where can I go for more information?
People with AFib should discuss their stroke risk management options with their health care provider. To learn more about stroke risk in atrial fibrillation, visit www.afibonetoone.com.