Instruction Manual

EN
17
BT
About Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial brillation is a common heart rhythm problem and
a common cause of major strokes. It affects more than
2 million people in North America. It is more common in
old age and found in 10% of people over 80 years old.
About 20% of all strokes are caused by atrial brillation.
The elderly, or those with high blood pressure, diabetes
or heart disease are more likely to get a stroke if they
have atrial brillation.
Atrial brillation is a rhythm problem that can last from
a few minutes, to days or weeks and even years. Atrial
brillation can lead to the formation of blood clots in the
upper chambers of the heart (the atria). These clots can
break off and ow to the brain causing stroke. The use
of blood thinners, such as warfarin , can lower the risk of
stroke in patients with atrial brillation.
A doctor can conrm the presence of atrial
brillation by using an EKG. Atrial brillation can
sometimes come and go. So a doctor may not see its
symptoms on regularly scheduled visits.
One sign of atrial brillation is palpitations. But,
many people don’t feel anything. These people can
still get a stroke and should be checked for atrial
brillation regularly. Diagnosing atrial brillation
earlier and followed by treatment can lower the
chances of getting a stroke.