Atrial fibrillation as a risk factor for stroke
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that causes the upper chambers of the heart (atria) to quiver instead of beating properly. This irregular heartbeat can lead to poor blood flow, blood clots and other cardiovascular complications. It also contributes to about one in five strokes1.
Detection of atrial fibrillation2,3
AF can be hard to detect, some people do not notice any symptoms, while others may experience a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (palpitations), chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath.
To detect AF, you may be asked to wear a portable heart monitor for several days but in some cases a long-term option like an insertable heart monitor may be needed. By monitoring your heart continuously, an insertable heart monitor is more likely to give your doctor a complete picture of your heart health. Insertion of an insertable heart monitor only takes a few minutes and does not require general anesthesia.
If detected, atrial fibrillation is treatable. The most common treatment is medication to thin the blood, making the creation of blood clots much less likely. Other treatments include surgery, the use of electric shocks or medication to restore normal heart rhythm, and the destruction of abnormal heart tissue using radiofrequencies or extreme cold.
Atrial fibrillation and stroke risk: Key points
AF can increase the risk of stroke, but it is highly treatable. Once detected, there are multiple medications and other treatments available for people with AF. In addition to medication, people with AF should maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce their stroke risk. Age, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and smoking all increase the risk of stroke in individuals with AF.
There is also evidence that suggests gum disease and severe periodontal (gum) disease may increase the risk of developing AF4. Most of these factors can be at least somewhat improved with a healthy diet, exercise, stress management and other lifestyle interventions.
References
- SS Chugh, R Havmoeller, K Narayanan et al. Worldwide epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: a Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study. Circulation. 2014. Feb 25;129(8):837-47. https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.113.005119
- CT January, LS Wann, H Calkins et al. AHA/ACC/HRS focused update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019 Jul 9;74(1):104-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2019.01.011
- G Hindricks, T Potpara, N Dagres et al. 2020 ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). Eur Heart J. 2021. Feb 1;42(5):373-498. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa612
- Shunsuke Miyauchi, Takehito Tokuyama, Yousaku Okubo, Sho Okamura, Shogo Miyamoto. Periodontal Treatment During the Blanking Period Improves the Outcome of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. Journal of the American Heart Association. 13(8). https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.123.03374
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