![]() ![]() An anti-platelet like ASA (Aspirin) or an anticoagulant like warfarin prevents clots from forming and travelling to the brain and causing a stroke. Blood thinners reduce the risk of stroke.The medications used for atrial fibrillation are: You may be referred to a specialist and considered for an electrophysiology study and catheter ablation to stop the Afib from recurring. On rare occasions medications and electrical cardioversion do not work. This is a controlled electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. Some patients may also require electrical cardioversion. The first step is medication to prevent the Afib from occurring. Rhythm control This is an attempt to prevent an irregular heartbeat by restoring and maintaining a normal, regular heartbeat. For some people, this type of medication is enough to control their symptoms. Rate control Almost every patient with atrial fibrillation will be prescribed a medication to slow their heart rate. Your doctor will determine which strategy is best for you based on your symptoms and other factors. There are two general treatment strategies – rate control and rhythm control. Your treatment will be based on your risks, medical profile, needs, preferences and how much symptoms are interfering with your quality of life. Afib’s irregular, fast heart beat leads to ineffective pumping of the blood which – especially if not controlled – may weaken the heart. Heart failure is a condition in which your heart can't circulate enough blood to meet your body's needs. Studies show that long-term use of the blood thinner warfarin in patients with Afib can reduce the risk of stroke by 70 to 80%.Ītrial fibrillation can also lead to heart failure. The risk of stroke depends on several other risk factors including the presence of heart failure, having high blood pressure or diabetes, being over 40 years of age, or having had a previous stroke or a mini-stroke (TIA). ![]() It is estimated that one-fourth of all strokes after age 40 are caused by Afib. An ischemic stroke is caused when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a clot in a blood vessel in the brain. Blood clots may form, which could get pumped to the brain. Because the atria aren’t moving blood properly, blood pools and gets stuck in the grooves of the heart. During Afib, the atria contract chaotically. People with atrial fibrillation have 3 to 5 times greater risk for ischemic stroke. Untreated atrial fibrillation puts you at a higher risk for stroke and heart failure. ![]()
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