Atrial Fibrillation Research Paper

Words: 1030
Pages: 5

Introduction
Atrial fibrillation is a common type of irregular or rapid heartbeat that greatly increases your risk for stroke. In atrial fibrillation, the top portions of the heart (atria) beat out of sync with the lower portions of the heart. When the atria are fibrillating, blood can pool in the heart and form clots. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. This type of stroke is preventable. Understanding atrial fibrillation and knowing how to properly manage it can prevent you from having a stroke.
What increases my risk of stroke?
If you have atrial fibrillation, you may be at increased risk for stroke if you also:
Have heart failure.
Have high blood pressure.
Are older than 65.
Have diabetes.
Have a history of vascular disease, such as heart
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Having a family history of stroke.
Having a poor diet.
What treatments help manage atrial fibrillation?
The main goal of treatment for atrial fibrillation is to prevent blood clots from forming and to keep your heart beating at a normal rate and rhythm. Treatment may include:
Blood-thinning medicine (anticoagulant) that helps prevent clots from forming. This medicine also increases the risk of bleeding. Talk with your health care provider about the risks and benefits of taking anticoagulants.
Medicine that slows the heart rate or brings the heart rhythm back to normal.
Electrical cardioversion. This is a procedure that resets the heart's rhythm by delivering a controlled, low-energy shock to the heart through your skin.
An ablation procedure, such as catheter ablation, catheter ablation with pacemaker, or surgical ablation. These procedures destroy the heart tissues that send abnormal signals so that heart rhythms can be improved or made normal. A pacemaker is a device that is placed under the skin to help the heart beat in a regular rhythm.
How can I prevent atrial-fibrillation-related stroke?
Medicines
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care