A rial Fibrilla ion: an Irregular Irregularity Dr Warrick Bishop
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trial fibrillation (AF) is a common medical condition that arises from a problem within the electrical system of the heart. Although it is widespread – 30 million sufferers worldwide – one of its peculiarities is that many sufferers are not aware they have it and it is discovered after a collapse or as an ‘incidental finding’, for example, when a patient’s pulse is being monitored in association with surgery or other medical procedure. The heart is still pumping, so what is the problem? AF’S Danger - Stroke AF can be: • overt or symptomatic (symptoms are experienced) or • silent or asymptomatic (symptoms are not felt) 6 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
Thus, it puts people at higher risk of stroke caused by a blood clot moving from the heart to the brain. This neurological problem can result in: • localised weakness • difficulty with speech • difficulty with vision or • lead to death. One-quarter to one-third of strokes are due to clots formed in the heart in someone with AF. The clot breaks off and causes a blockage in the blood flow to the brain. This risk can be substantially reduced with modern therapy. To receive this benefit, people need to know that they have AF and then what they should do. AF requires a team effort involving the people who suffer from AF and their SUBSCRIBE