Everything You Need To Know About Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation And Stroke Facts

When atrial fibrillation remains untreated, the potential for blood clots forming in the heart is increased, and these blood clots can then travel to the brain and block blood flow, resulting in a stroke. Atrial fibrillation patients are four to five times more likely to experience a stroke, and up to fifteen percent of strokes are caused by untreated atrial fibrillation. Researchers do not know the length of time it takes for untreated atrial fibrillation to result in a blood clot in the brain, but studies have shown an electrical shock to the heart for atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk for two to four weeks afterward. It is presumed that the shock causes previously formed clots to dislodge and lead to stroke.