9. Stroke Risk is Significantly Higher in AFib Patients
As we approach fact nine, it’s crucial to realize that individuals with AFib have a significantly higher risk of stroke. This increased risk stems from the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently, leading to pooling and clot formation in the atria, which can travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
According to the American Stroke Association, individuals with untreated AFib are about five times more likely to have a stroke than those without AFib. The irregular heartbeat of AFib allows blood to pool in the heart, increasing the chance of clot formation. If a clot forms and gets pumped out of the heart, it can block blood flow to the brain, resulting in a stroke.
The risk of stroke in AFib patients isn’t a minor one; strokes caused by complications from AFib tend to be severe and are more likely to be fatal or disabling. But the silver lining here is that with appropriate medical therapy, such as blood thinners and other anticoagulants, this risk can be significantly reduced. (9)
