Stroke reduction treatment for AFib

Having an irregular heartbeat can be stressful enough but it could have an impact on your health. About one in seven people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) have a stroke. Your risk of having a stroke is also higher if you have atrial flutter, an arrhythmia that causes fast heart rates.

Your risk of stroke shouldn’t be ignored. Without prompt medical care, a stroke can cause problems with speech, movement or memory. At Aurora, we’re here to work with you and help reduce your stroke risk factors.

What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

AFib is a sometimes rapid, irregular heartbeat. It’s a type of arrhythmia when a heart has lost its healthy rhythm.

Stroke reduction treatment

We’ll work with you to determine the best treatment plan to help you prevent a stroke. Treatment methods can include:

• Blood thinners such as warfarin to help lower the blood’s ability to form clots
• Left atrial appendage closure devices, which are implanted, to help prevent blood clots in the left atrial appendage from entering the blood stream
• Medications to control pulse rate or improve rhythm control
• Cardiac ablation if medicine doesn’t control your heart rhythm problem

We’ll also help you find and avoid triggers that can lead to your AFib episodes. Common triggers include:

• Exercising
• Eating large meals
• Drinking alcohol
• Bending over
• Coughing
• Taking medications used for colds or allergies that contain decongestants