Sunday, September 26, 2010

Atrial fib and Stroke

Atrial fibrillation is a potentially serious condition.2 The irregular heartbeat associated with AFib can cause blood to pool in the atria, which can result in the formation of clots.2 These blood clots can travel from the heart to the brain, where they can lead to a stroke.2 Strokes associated with AFib can be about twice as likely to be fatal4 or severely disabling as non-AFib-related strokes. Many patients don’t believe they are at risk, AFib is associated with up to 15 percent of all strokes in the U.S.,” said Mellanie True Hills, StopAfib.org founder. “We’ve joined Facing AFib to arm patients and caregivers with important information about AFib and stroke and to empower them to be proactive in their efforts to reduce stroke risk.”


ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN AMERICA

An estimated 2.3 million Americans have AFib6, making it one of the most serious common heart
rhythm disorders

o It is projected that by 2050, 5.6 million U.S. adults will have AFib

Up to 15 percent of all strokes in the U.S. are associated with AFib

Three to five percent of Americans over the age of 65 have AFib