The facts about AFib and stroke Think F.A.S.T.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the world’s most common type of heart arrhythmia, which is a condition where the heart beats irregularly — either too fast or too slow. AFib will affect an estimated 12 million people in the U.S. by 2030.

Despite being a heart condition, AFib can also affect the brain. People with untreated AFib are five times more likely to have a stroke than people without AFib.

Atman P. Shah, MD, is an interventional cardiologist at UChicago Medicine who specializes in minimally invasive, catheter-based techniques. This includes procedures to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Here, Shah answers patients’ most common questions about AFib and stroke.

WHY DOES AFIB PUT SOMEONE AT RISK FOR STROKE?

AFib is a disease that affects the electrical conduction of the heart and causes the heart to beat irregularly. The upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). When the heart beats irregularly, clots can form in the part of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). These clots can be ejected from the heart, and in some cases, they can block blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke.

FOR SOMEONE WITH AFIB, WHAT INCREASES THE RISK FOR HAVING A STROKE?

» Age 65 and over, with increased risk for age 75 and over

» Assigned female at birth

» Diabetes

» Heart failure

» High blood pressure

» History of stroke or heart attack

» Peripheral arterial disease

HOW CAN PEOPLE WITH AFIB PREVENT STROKE?

AFib is linked to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce the likelihood of developing AFib.

For those with AFib, stroke can be prevented through oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) or through transcatheter closure of the LAA, a procedure that uses a device to seal the LAA and prevent future clots from escaping. This may be an option for patients who have bleeding risks and cannot be on anticoagulants.

DO PEOPLE WITH AFIB NEED A CARDIOLOGIST AND A NEUROLOGIST?

Having both is beneficial. At the University of Chicago Medicine Heart-Brain Clinic, every patient is seen by a neurologist and cardiologist at the same visit. This multidisciplinary approach saves patients time and improves coordination between physicians. UChicago Medicine is one of the few health systems in the country that offer this specialized and personalized care.

Learn about the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Stroke Center online at UChicagoMedicine.org/Stroke-Center or call 1-888-824-0200

Use this acronym to recognize stroke symptoms and take action.