The connection between stroke and atrial fibrillation can be a life or death matter.
According to the National Stroke Association, if someone suffers from atrial fibrillation (afib), he or she is 5 times more likely to have a stroke [1].
The good news is that afib and the effects of a stroke are treatable. However, if you don’t know you have afib, or you don’t know that you’ve suffered a stroke (yes, it’s possible), you can’t be treated for it.
Here are the top 6 signs associated with stroke and atrial fibrillation.
1. You’re Having Irregular Heart Palpitations.
Since atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, it makes sense that heart palpitations are a sign of afib. If you experience a sudden and unexplained fluttering (‘butterflies’), racing, or a pounding feeling in your chest [2], it could be a sign of atrial fibrillation, and you should contact your doctor.
2. You’re Confused.
Confusion and short-term memory loss are signs of a stroke, according to the National Stroke Association [3]. These symptoms may lead to a person wandering and getting lost in otherwise familiar areas. The victim may also suddenly have difficulty with financial transactions and following instructions.