atrial fibrillation or atrial fibrillation is a common type of irregular heartbeat that increases your risk of stroke. Stroke prevention is a key component of treatment AFib, and there are different options depending on your
- safety
- Medical History
- Lifestyle
Why AFib raise my risk of disease?
In AFib, the electrical system of your heart sends irregular signals that make the best fight shift chambers of your heart to the lower chambers. When this happens, your heart can not pump the way it needs.
When your heart can not pump the right way, blood can gather in your heart and blood clots. If a blood clot breaks off, it can travel to your brain and cause a stroke.
What is my risk for stroke?
According to the American Heart Association, atrial fibrillation sufferers are five times more likely to have a stroke than others. The risk of each person for the race is different, depending on:
- Your age. People who are 65 or older, especially those 75 years or older, have a higher risk.
- Your sex. Women have a higher risk than men.
- Your medical history and other conditions. People who have congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, vascular disease, or who have had a stroke in the past have a higher risk.
What are my options for stroke prevention?
Your doctor will use your age, sex and medical history to determine how high your risk is and determine the stroke prevention treatment type is best for you. This can include:
- blood thinner medication
- left atrial appendage devices or surgery
blood thinner medication
many people with AFib take medicines blood thinner called anticoagulants to prevent stroke. These drugs, such as warfarin (or the name of the brand Coumadin®), slow the chemical reaction that occurs when your blood clot tent. They can also keep clots that have already formed to get bigger.
The blood thinner medications require that you have your blood checked regularly to ensure they are working properly. And, anticoagulants are not safe for everyone, especially people who have a high risk of bleeding.
left atrial appendage devices and surgery
If you are not able to take blood thinners, your doctor may suggest close or withdraw your left atrial appendage, or LAA . LAA your bag is a branch at the top of the left chamber of your heart, where blood clots often occur in people with AFib.
Depending on your medical history, risk factors, and lifestyle, your doctor may recommend:
- The WatchmanTM device, shaped device recently approved by the parachute FDA definitively closes your LAA
- The Lariat procedure that uses a lasso suture (or point) to permanently close your LAA
- have your LAA kidnapped by a heart surgeon
like all medical procedures, devices and surgery have risks and may not be safe for everyone. Your doctor can tell you more about these risks.
What is the best treatment for me?
Your doctor can help you determine the best way to reduce your risk of stroke if you have AFib. Make sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, your medical history and any concerns you have about your risk of bleeding.
For more information on AFib and preventing stroke, visit the UPMC Center for Atrial Fibrillation online or call 1-844-HVI-AFIB (484 -2342).
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