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Irregular Heartbeat and Stroke

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Irregular Heartbeat and Stroke Irregular heartbeat and stroke What is a stroke? Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for A stroke is not a heart attack. A stroke happens when stroke, however you need to be aware the supply of blood to the brain is suddenly interrupted. that it is one of many risk factors Blood is carried to the brain by blood vessels called arteries. Blood may stop moving through an artery including diabetes, high blood pressure because the artery is blocked by a clot or plaque, or and lifestyle choices. because the artery breaks or bursts. When blood stops flowing, the brain does not receive How does atrial fibrillation cause stroke? the oxygen it needs, and therefore brain cells in the The normal rhythm of a healthy heart empties the area die and permanent damage may be done. Some heart’s chambers of incoming blood and transports it strokes are fatal while others may cause permanent or around the body. If the heart is beating irregularly and temporary disability. rapidly it doesn’t move the blood swiftly through the heart and the blood flow can become sluggish. Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke This can result in blood clots which break loose and AF is the term given to a particular type of irregular travel to the brain or other parts of the body. If a clot heartbeat caused by a disturbance of your heart’s travels to the brain it can block an artery and cause a electrical system. The heart consists of a number of stroke. Brain cells deprived of blood by a blocked artery different chambers which prepare blood to take oxygen can die, causing permanent disability or death. and nutrients to the rest of the body before pumping it out again. Who has atrial fibrillation? In a healthy heart, all four chambers beat at the same time, somewhere between 60 and 100 times per minute. AF is common in people over the age of 65 and people If someone has an irregular heartbeat, the left upper who have heart disease or thyroid disorders. For some chambers of the heart (the atria) causes these chambers people AF may come and go (called paroxysmal AF) or to beat rapidly and unpredictably (or ‘fibrillate’) up to 400 remain (called permanent or chronic AF). times per minute. If untreated, AF can result in a high risk of stroke. How do I know I have atrial fibrillation? Some people with AF will experience a ‘pounding’ or ‘fluttering’ heart beat known as heart palpitations. In others, symptoms may include an irregular pulse, dizziness, faintness or light headedness. However some people may not notice any symptoms of AF. If Stroke is the second single AF is suspected your doctor will recommend a number greatest killer and one of the of tests including an electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) to confirm leading causes of disability the diagnosis and look for any underlying cause (e.g. amongst adults in Australia. problems with heart valves). About the National Stroke Foundation Irregular heartbeat The National Stroke Foundation is the only national not- and stroke for-profit organisation that works with stroke survivors, carers, health professionals, government and the public to reduce the impact of stroke on the Australian community. Our mission is to stop stroke, save lives and end suffering. We are the voice of stroke in Australia. Treatment for atrial fibrillation We will achieve this by: For some people, the heart will return to a normal rhythm • Raising awareness about the risk factors and signs of without treatment. In other people, the heart rhythm stroke and promoting healthy lifestyles. may be restored to normal through a process called cardioversion. This is a safe and effective treatment where • Improving treatment for stroke to save lives and doctors usually use electrical stimulation to return the reduce disability. heart rhythm to normal (but this may be done via some • Improving life after stroke for stroke survivors. medicines). • Encouraging and facilitating stroke research. For most people with AF, even for those who have • Advocating for improved stroke prevention, treatment undergone cardioversion, your doctor will recommend and support. ongoing medicines (such as digoxin or a group of blood pressure drugs called beta-blockers) to slow the heart • Raising funds from the community, corporate sector rate and maintain a normal heart rhythm and/or thin the and government to continue our mission. blood (anticoagulation) to prevent blood clotting. The Visit www.strokefoundation.com.au for more information. most common medicines used to thin the blood are Warfarin and aspirin. Warfarin is significantly more effective than aspirin in reducing the risk of stroke but may not be suitable for everyone. StrokeLine If your doctor prescribes Warfarin you will need to be The National Stroke Foundation’s StrokeLine monitored (by blood tests) to make sure the amount you provides information about stroke prevention, are taking is right for you. Depending on blood tests the recovery and support. Our qualified health amount may change. The frequency of blood tests will be professionals are here for you when you need high initially until the doctor works out the right amount for comprehensive information and help. you and regular blood tests will need to continue after that (usually monthly). Remember, stroke is largely preventable, so contact us today to discover the changes you can People taking Warfarin need to be careful of what they eat make to reduce your risk of stroke. and what other medicines are taken as they can affect the way Warfarin works. Speak to your doctor about these things and report any unusual bleeding or bruising. Call StrokeLine You should not stop taking your medication or change the 1800 STROKE (787 653) amount you take without talking to your doctor. StrokeLine is open business hours EST across There are newer medications for people with atrial Australia, a message service is available outside fibrillation that may also be available. Your doctor can these hours. If you leave a message, a health advise the most appropriate medication for you. professional will return your call the next working Healthy lifestyle should also be followed as AF can occur day. with other risk factors for stroke and heart disease. Further information about reducing the risk of stroke How you can help through healthy lifestyle is available on the National Stroke 1 in 6 people will suffer a stroke. This could be Foundation website www.strokefoundation.com.au your mother, father, brother, sister, friend... or and in our booklet titled ‘Make yourself StrokeSafe: Understand and prevent stroke’. you. We need to raise urgently needed funds to continue our work in a number of areas to reduce the incidence and burden of stroke in Australia. ABN 42 006 173 379 Please show your support and donate today. © This brochure cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the National Stroke Foundation. Note: All information was correct at the time of Call 1300 194 196 or visit printing April 2013. NSF076 www.strokefoundation.com.au.
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