What are the dangers of having untreated atrial fibrillation?
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Dr. Camille G. Frazier-Mills of Duke Medicine answered:Atrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat fast and irregularly. Most people with AFib will also have fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness. People who have AFib are at a much higher risk of stroke than people who don’t, but the stroke risk can be lessened with blood thinners. Also, AFib could lead to heart failure if not treated. But virtually all AFib patients can be treated successfully.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulAtrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat fast and irregularly. Most people with AFib will also have fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness. People who have AFib are at a much higher risk of stroke... More -
Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:Atrial fibrillation isn’t life-threatening, but it can lead to other health problems, including chronic fatigue and congestive heart failure. Sometimes the condition can cause a stroke. Stroke can occur when a clot forms from blood that pools in the left atrium due to the atrium’s inability to empty blood completely into your left ventricle. If this clot enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain, it can block an artery and cause a stroke. Not everyone with AF will have a stroke, but your risk of stroke is elevated if you have the condition.
Atrial fibrillation isn’t life-threatening, but it can lead to other health problems, including chronic fatigue and congestive heart failure. Sometimes the condition can cause a stroke. Stroke can occur when a clot forms from blood that pools... More
