Yo u h a v e b e e n d i a g n o s e d w i t h a t r i a l f i b r i l l a t i o n ( A f i b )
Ab is an abnormal heartbeat rhythm that causes the two upper chambers of the heart (the atria) to quiver and beat rapidly. It can increase your risk of having a stroke by 500 percent. Ab-related strokes are often deemed the most severe according to medical research.
The good news is that you can help beat your odds of having an Ab-related stroke by being aware of your increased risk and treating it.
Who Does Ab Affect? An estimated 2.2 million Americans are living with Afib. Age plays a role in developing Afib. It is most common in people over age 65, but anyone can have it.
Ab & Stroke
One in six strokes are caused by Afib. Help beat your odds of having a stroke by learning about your condition and receiving appropriate Afib treatment. Work with your healthcare provider to reduce your stroke risk. And, learn about how to recognize and respond to stroke symptoms. Time is important when it comes to receiving stroke treatment.
Common Ab symptoms
Heart palpitations Pounding, uttering or racing sensations in the chest Dizziness or light-headedness Fatigue or shortness of breath Some people have no symptoms
How to Treat Ab
One goal for treating Afib is to relieve symptoms, such as palpitations and fatigue. Most patients are treated with medications that slow the heart or restore the heart rhythm to normal.
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of Afib-related stroke. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn what options might be right for you.
As an Ab patient, you should understand common stroke symptoms and how to respond by using the simple F.A.S.T. test. If you or someone else experiences stroke symptoms, heres what you need to know:
F.A.S.T.
F A S T
FACE : Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? ARMS : Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? SPEECH : Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange? TIME : If you observe any of these signs, its time to call 9-1-1.
60
Step 4 Feel your pulse for one minute, or 60 seconds. Dont count the beats. Just pay attention to whether the rhythm seems regular or irregular. A regular pulse will feel even and consistent. An irregular pulse will feel erratic and unpredictable.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider Now that youve been diagnosed with Afib, its important to discuss with your healthcare provider every way possible to reduce stroke risk. Here are a few suggestions: Based on my Afib diagnosis and medical history, what is my risk level for having a stroke? Are we doing all the proper things to reduce my risk of stroke? What treatment options are available for reducing my risk of stroke? Are there lifestyle changes I can make to help manage my Afib and risk for stroke? Will any of my medications interact negatively with my Afib medications or other treatments? Ab Resources
Visit www.stroke.org/afib or call 1-800-STROKES to read more information about Afib or order a brochure. To find a certified stroke center in your community, visit www.stroke.org/resour. For information about stroke, including free downloadable educational resources, visit www.stroke.org.
Copyright 2010 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved (9/10) AFib75662CONS