Take Steps to Reduce your Risk

Take Steps to Help Reduce Your
Stroke Risk

Having atrial fibrillation (AFib) puts you at greater risk of stroke. But it’s important to remember that you can help to reduce that risk. In fact, the good news is this risk can be significantly reduced. Check out the helpful tips below. And talk to your doctor about how to help reduce your stroke risk. Build your personalized doctor discussion guide now >

Remember: The health information contained in this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace your discussions with a healthcare professional. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare professional, considering the unique aspects of the patient.

 

Tips for people living with AFib

  • Control your AFib. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan for AFib.
  • Make sure your doctor knows your complete medical history. This includes any previous heart failure, stroke, or TIA (“mini stroke” or transient ischemic attack). These conditions have been linked to an increased stroke risk in people who have AFib.
  • Ask your doctor about medication options to help prevent blood clots. There are medications that help to prevent blood clots and reduce your risk of stroke.
  • Ask your doctor about other factors that may be increasing your risk of stroke. The tips above are based on what’s known about stroke risk for people with AFib. But there are other factors that are also associated with increased stroke risk in general. Read more about stroke risk factors >

Supporting a loved one who has AFib

When your loved one has AFib, you may be as worried and stressed about their stroke risk as they are. That’s understandable. But to provide the best support, you need to be at your best. Here are some tips that may help:

  • Recognize your feelings. It’s okay to feel angry that your loved one has AFib or worried about his or her stroke risk. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by negative emotions, it may help to talk to a friend, counselor, or support group.
  • Connect with others who are supporting someone living with AFib. Look for a support group where you can share your feelings with others who can understand.
  • Ask for help. Whether you’re providing transportation to doctor’s appointments or more involved care, ask others in your family to help. Or look for community organizations that offer added support.
  • Make your own health a priority. This means eating right, exercising, and getting enough rest. It also means taking care of yourself if you get sick yourself.
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Subject: I thought you might want to know about this.

I'm writing to you because there's an important connection between your heart and your head you may want to learn about. That connection involves the risk of stroke.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), the risk of stroke is nearly 5 times greater than someone who doesn't have AFib. And that stroke can be twice as likely fatal or to be severely disabling.

You can read about it in a new book called, “AFib and Stroke: the Heart-Head Connection.” It tells about AFib and stroke, treatment options, and more. It's free and you can get a copy just by visiting: http://www.facingafib.com/?sc=PRDACQWEBSAFWKT1006085
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