Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) can negatively affect how a person feels. People with Afib often need to take medications to prevent clots, slow the heart rate and/or the heart rhythm. Afib can also impact an individual's quality of life due to symptoms of Afib, side effects of medication and frequent clinic and doctor visits. The symptoms of Afib can cause a decrease in quality of life. If left untreated, Afib can scar, stretch, and stiffen the heart muscle.
Atrial fibrillation also puts people at higher risk for many other health conditions, including:
- 5x increase in stroke risk2
- 5x increase in heart failure development3
- Dementia
- More cardiac complications
- Decrease in general and mental health
- Other health problems
How does Afib lead to Stroke?
Data show that 15-20% of strokes are related to Afib.2
Afib causes the atria to beat too fast. The atria cannot contract as they should. As a result, blood pools in the atria. When blood pools, it can clot. If a blood clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.
Certain people with Afib are at particularly high risk. For example, the risk of a stroke is higher for:1
Women
Those with persistent atrial fibrillation (lasting more than one week)
Also, people are more likely to die from strokes related to Afib than strokes from other causes.3
What is the connection between Afib and Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a condition in which your heart can't pump out enough blood to meet your body's needs. The stretching, stiffening, and uncoordinated pumping of the heart can lead to heart failure.
Symptoms of heart failure include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen
It’s not just that Afib can lead to heart failure. People with Afib are 5 times more likely to develop heart failure.4 Heart failure can also lead to more Afib.
Heart failure causes changes to heart tissue in the atrium, making atrial fibrillation much more likely.5
Symptoms get worse as heart failure progresses. Currently, heart failure has no cure. The combination of Afib and heart failure can increase the risk of stroke, worsen heart failure and further reduce ability to go about daily activities. However, treatments can help people live longer and be more active.
There is Hope
Even if you develop other heart problems, there is hope. When Afib is successfully treated, the benefits include:
Reversed stretching of the left atrium1
Improved heart function overall1
Improved symptoms1
Improved quality of life
Reduced heart medications needed1
Even if you've been told your Afib is chronic or permanent, there may be a treatment option for you. Learn more about Hybrid AF Therapy for the treatment of Advanced Afib.
Sources
- Benussi, S., & de Maat, G.E. (2018). Atrial remodelling and function: implications for atrial fibrillation surgery. European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery, 53(i1):i2–i8, https://doi.org/10.1093/ejcts/ezx340
- Benjamin, E.J., et al. (2019). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics — 2019 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation, 139:e56-e528, DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000659
- Odutayo, A. et al. (2016). Atrial fibrillation and risks of cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and death: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 354, i4482.
- IFU for EPi-Sense® Guided Coagulation System Data: PMA# P200002
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