All About Atrial Fibrillation
Download this helpful brochure, which covers a broad variety of questions you’re likely to have about AFib.
AFIB RESOURCES
Feel confident you have all the right information you need to make healthy choices for yourself or a loved one.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AFIB
TRACKING YOUR AFIB
TRACKING YOUR AFIB
AFIBLIFE™ App: Capture Your Experience in a Single App
Discover Your Health Trends
- Learn the impact of AFib on your quality of life
- Connect your health data
- Journal your AFib experience
PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
Use these resources to help guide conversations with your doctor or insurance provider. You can download and print these guides to take with you to your appointments.
CARDIAC ABLATION
Cardiac Ablation: What to Expect
Walk through what getting ablation therapy will look and feel like.
Cardiac Ablation: What to Expect for Caregivers
Walk through what getting ablation therapy will look and feel like for someone you love and care for.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO)
Understanding Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Download this brochure, which covers information about AFib and stroke risk including risk factors, lifestyle and treatment options.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO), What to expect for your procedure
Download this brochure, which covers information about the LAAO treatment option and stroke risk including before, during and after.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It’s normal to have lots of questions about living with AFib and cardiac ablation. Here are answers to the questions that get asked most:
Is cardiac ablation the best option for treating AFib?
Ablation is often a good option for either complex or recurrent AFib that is no longer responding to medication.
Is it safe to work out with AFib?
If your AFib is not well controlled, you need to speak with your doctor about physical activity. But for those who have well-controlled heart rate or rhythm, going back to regular physical activity is a reality, including sexual activity. Exercise can help reduce your risk of stroke, lower your resting heart rate over time, and manage your mood and weight.
Can you live a long life with AFib?
Yes, many people with AFib live a long life. Working closely with your care team to make sure your heart rate and rhythm are under control, and preventing strokes, are two of the most important ways to make sure you stay healthy.
What ways can I help maximize my health while living with AFib?
Stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and eating a heart-healthy diet that includes healthy fats, high fiber, and a variety of fruits and vegetables can all contribute to your best heart health. Avoiding caffeine, salt, and certain fats may also help.
Why does AFib increase my risk of having a stroke?
When you have AFib, your heart doesn’t beat in a steady rhythm—it kind of “quivers.” Because of this, blood can pool (sit still) in part of the heart instead of flowing smoothly.
When blood sits still, it can form a clot. If that clot travels from your heart to your brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke.
How do you calculate stroke risk?
Doctors use a simple scoring system (called a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score) to estimate your stroke risk. Curious to see your score? Try it for free on the AFibLife App now
Are there alternatives if I cannot take blood thinners?
Yes—there are options if blood thinners aren’t safe for you.
One common option is a procedure called:
- Left atrial appendage closure
- A small device is placed in your heart
- It blocks off the area where clots often form
How often should I be checked for AFib or stroke risk?
This depends on your situation, but in general:
- Most people with AFib see their doctor at least once or twice a year
- You may need more frequent visits if:
- Your medications change
- You have new symptoms
- Your health conditions change
Stroke risk can change over time, so regular check-ups are important.
Can stroke risk from AFib be completely prevented?
Unfortunately, stroke risk cannot be reduced to zero. The good news is, you can lower your risk a lot. Always:
- Take your medication as prescribed
- Manage other conditions as your physicians have instructed you to
- Live a healthy lifestyle
Find a physician specializing in AFib