Health Risks of Atrial Fibrillation

In many people living with AF, particularly younger patients with otherwise healthy hearts, the disorder may be considered more of an annoyance than a serious medical condition. However, atrial fibrillation can put a patient at an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and even death.

Below are a few of the most concerning health risks for people living with AF.

• Stroke: The loss of normal contraction in the atria results in pooling of blood, resulting in an abnormal tendency for a clot to form. This clot then may be pumped out of the heart and into vital organs, including the brain, causing a stroke. AF is associated with 5 to 7 times increased risk for stroke, compared to individuals without AF.
  
  
• Heart failure: Atrial fibrillation is associated both acutely and chronically with a decline in heart function. Untreated, AF has a high incidence of heart failure, particularly for older patients.
  
  
• Death: Multiple studies have demonstrated AF to be an independent, early predictor of significantly decreased survival among matched patient groups. What this means is that by itself, atrial fibrillation can decrease a patient's life expectancy.

For more details about atrial fibrillation health risks, or to find out if you may be a candidate for the five-box thoracoscopic maze procedure, request a phone consultation with Dr. John Sirak or call his appointment phone at (614) 366-7414.