Is atrial fibrillation dangerous?
I am 53 years old recently the research showed that I have atrial fibrillation, am I in danger of a heart attack or stroke, if so, can it be prevented? ~ Jan
Atrial fibrillation, whether paroxysmal or permanent, is a risk factor for embolic complications such as stroke. The risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation varies, as it depends on other comorbid factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure or defects, previous stroke, and age. In patients with significantly increased risk, anticoagulant treatment with an oral coagulant (acenocoumarol or warfarin) should be used. In lower risk groups, administration of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) may be considered. If the patient of your age has no other comorbidities, the risk of stroke may not be significantly higher compared to people who do not have atrial fibrillation, and then there is no indication for treatment with an oral anticoagulant or aspirin. Please see your doctor for indications for anticoagulant treatment. It is also worth discussing with the doctor the indications for restoring normal heart function (cardioversion), which, however, does not protect against the risk of stroke, because after the procedure, atrial fibrillation most often recurs.
The advice of medTvoiLokons experts is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and his doctor.
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