Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Risk

What is my individual risk of having a stroke based on my medical history and other factors?

Every case is different, but depending on your other health conditions, genetics, and lifestyle, you may be at a greater risk of a stroke.

What steps can I take to reduce my risk of a stoke?

There may be medications or lifestyle changes you can make to help lower your risk.

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

Since a stroke is a very real risk with nonvalvular AFib, you should know what to look out for and be prepared to catch it as early as possible.

Should I be seeing a specialist such as a cardiologist to manage my condition and help reduce my risk of a stroke?

You may be curious about expanding your care team and who the best people are to help you treat your condition.

If I have a stroke, what are the steps that I or my loved ones should take right away?

If you can’t prevent a stroke, the best thing you can do is be prepared. Find out what steps you can take in case of an emergency.

Will my day-to-day life change now that I’ve had a stroke?

You may need to make some lifestyle changes now to accommodate your new normal. Your doctor can help you plan out what that looks like. 

Should I monitor my heart rate and rhythm at home?

You may be wondering if keeping track of your heart rate can help you predict an AFib episode or even a stroke, and if so, how best to monitor yourself.

Am I more likely to have another stroke now that I’ve had one?

You may be fearful that now that you’ve had a stroke, you are at a greater risk of another one. Speaking to your doctor about ways to lower that risk could help ease that anxiety.

What resources can I use to help manage my condition, such as support groups or patient education groups?

Your doctor is a great resource for finding out where to turn for a broader network and more personal aids.

What tests should I be having regularly?

Now more than ever, you’ll want to make sure you’re properly monitored. Ask how often you should be seen and what they’ll be testing for. 

Are there any new treatments or clinical trials I should be aware of that might help reduce my risk of stroke?

A different approach to treating your AFib may help if the traditional treatments don’t seem to be working.

What side effects may I have from the treatment for nonvalvular AFib?

If your doctor prescribes medications such as something to control your heart rhythm, you should be aware of how they may impact you.

What do I do if my treatment doesn’t seem to be working?

If you’re still having regular occurrences of AFib, you may want to find out about other treatment options.

Can I combine my treatment for nonvalvular AFib with other medications?

AFib may not be the only condition you have. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other meds you’re taking, and keep them up to date on any other symptoms you have, whether they’re related to AFib or not.

Will I need to have surgery?

If medications don’t do the trick, sometimes surgery is necessary to treat AFib. You can talk to your doctor about that possibility, if you want to learn more about the chances that you’ll need a procedure and what it may be like.