Living With Atrial Fibrillation & Prevention

Atrial fibrillation is responsible for up to 30 percent of strokes in those 75 or older. When the atrial chambers stop pumping blood in an organized rhythm, blood can stagnate and blood clots form. In particular, blood clots tend to form in a pouch... Full Answer

Certain arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, can lead to very serious problems such as heart failure. With heart failure, your heart pumps blood inefficiently for a lengthy period because of the rapid heart rate of atrial fibrillation.... Full Answer

Atrial fibrillation has two very serious complications: stroke and heart failure. A stroke can occur if the irregular rhythm of your heart keeps it from pumping blood out of your upper heart chambers, the atria. As the blood collects in your atria, it... Full Answer

A heart attack can cause atrial fibrillation. For people with severe heart disease, though, the causation can also run the other way: An episode of atrial fibrillation may trigger a heart attack. Call 911 if you experience possible heart attack symptoms... Full Answer

Medications can reduce the risk of stroke if you have atrial fibrillation (AF).  The drug warfarin (generic) or Coumadin (brand name) can reduce the risk of stroke from clots in AF patients. Several important clinical research studies have... Full Answer

There are many medications, natural supplements, and foods (beverages) that can raise your blood pressure with atrial fibrillation. Sometimes these substances can interact with your prescription blood pressure medications, causing the drugs to be... Full Answer

Atrial fibrillation can lead to other serious problems. The biggest risk is a stroke. When you have atrial fibrillation, your heart may not be able to pump all the blood out with each beat. A small amount of blood may pool, causing a clot. If one of... Full Answer

Atrial fibrillation is serious because an  irregular or rapid heart beat can lead to more severe heart problems. You can develop blood clots that can affect your circulation and lead to a stroke (brain attack). Long term rapid heart beating... Full Answer

People who have atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the heart does not pump properly, are at an increased of suffering an ischemic stroke. Because their heart pumps irregularly, pools of blood are created - posing a risk for clots. This condition... Full Answer

Not usually. Talk about a stealth bomber: High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems and it can increase your risk for all manner of medical mayhem. Yet it is almost always symptomless. Like atrial fibrillation, many people don’t... Full Answer