Atrial fibrillation gets more common with age, and some people feel nothing at all. Blood thinners cut the stroke risk, but only if it's found
The Pushpa team · 3 sourcesAtrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a heart rhythm problem where the heartbeat isn't steady. MedlinePlus says the risk rises with age, especially after 65. Its real danger isn't the fluttering. The US CDC says AFib is linked to about a fivefold higher risk of stroke, and causes about 1 in 7 strokes
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, and it's found at a routine check-up, the NHS says. That's a good reason for her doctor to listen to her heart and check her pulse at visits
There's no cure, but treatment helps manage symptoms and lowers the risk of complications like stroke and heart failure. Blood thinners (anticoagulants) are the main way to reduce the stroke risk. If she takes one, keep it on her medicine list and tell every doctor and dentist she sees
Call 112 if a fast or irregular heartbeat comes with chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body
How Pushpa helpsIf she mentions her heart racing or feeling fluttery on the evening call, Pushpa notes when and how long, and the family and her doctor see it. Anything with chest pain or weakness is flagged straight away
General information, not medical advice. In an emergency in India, call 112
Report sent to the family
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