Who is at Risk for Stroke?

Are You At Risk For Stroke?

If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) and you are not receiving medical care, you are at risk for stroke. If you are currently taking Coumadin (warfarin), you must be careful to follow your drug regimen precisely in order to reduce your risk of stroke. Currently, surgical ablation procedures include exclusion or excision of the left atrial appendage (where atrial thrombi tend to form32). While data may suggest a link between the left atrial appendage and stroke,28 conclusive evidence is not yet available.

The Atrial Fibrillation Risk Factors for Stroke

 Although strokes affect the brain, they are actually considered a cardiovascular disease because ischemic strokes are caused by blockages of blood flow to brain tissue. Patients with atrial fibrillation are five times more likely to suffer a stroke than those who do not have atrial fibrillation.27 Medical researchers estimate that 35% of atrial fibrillation sufferers will have a stroke in their lifetime.28

Due to the effects of atrial fibrillation, oxygenated blood can pool over time in the left atrial appendage, becoming an atrial thrombus. Research has shown that 90% of all atrial thrombi occur in the left atrial appendage.32 When a piece of the atrial thrombus dislodges or breaks off, it gets carried into the blood stream, becoming an arterial embolus. In patients with atrial fibrillation, 91% of systemic arterial emboli are found in the left atrial appendage.32 Further research has shown that 25% of all strokes are caused by these arterial emboli.32

Exclusion or excision of the left atrial appendage might prevent atrial clots and subsequent arterial emboli.32 Surgical ablation procedures are currently being performed that include exclusion or excision of the left atrial appendage. To find out if you are eligible for a surgical ablation procedure, talk to your doctor about your options.

General Risk Factors Not Associated With Atrial Fibrillation

In addition to the risk factors associated with atrial fibrillation, you may also have additional risk factors for stroke based on your heredity and lifestyle. Reducing or addressing any risk factors for stroke is very important. By modifying certain behaviors or lifestyle choices, you can reduce these additional risk factors:

 

Obesity
Excessive weight contributes to heart disease and diabetes, which increases your risk of stroke. People who suffer from obesity also have an increased risk of acquiring atrial fibrillation.

Alcohol
Excessive drinking (more than two drinks per day for men and one per day for women) can cause serious and chronic medical problems including stroke.

Drugs
Addiction to certain drugs like cocaine and heroin cause severe health-related issues and contributes to stroke. Other stimulants (such as caffeine) can also contribute to episodes of atrial fibrillation.

Cigarettes
Smoking increases your risk of stroke and many other cardiovascular diseases.

Food
Eating foods high in cholesterol and fat contributes to high blood cholesterol and clogged arteries which increase the risk of stroke as well as other cardiac diseases.

 If you have atrial fibrillation, you owe it to yourself to reduce any additional risk factors for stroke. If you would like more information about your treatment options, you can request our free brochure.

Your doctor can help you decide what your treatment options are based upon the type of atrial fibrillation you have and your overall health and medical history. Take the time to educate yourself about your treatment options, write down questions to ask your doctor at your next follow-up, and speak to your physician about your options and concerns. If you are a patient or physician and are interested in learning additional information about clinical studies currently underway, please call our Clinical Trial Hotline at (800) 401- 3506 or visit clinicaltrials.gov.