What are the dangers of Atrial Fibrillation?
With proper attention, AF is not generally a life-threatening condition. But patients with Atrial Fibrillation do have a reduced cardiac output and are faced with an increased risk of developing bloodclots (thrombus). Blood in the atria may pool and clot. If a clot breaks loose and advances to the brain, a stroke can result. Short episodes of Atrial Fibrillation don’t cause any injury to the heart in general. However, in some individuals, long periods – more than several months – with rapid heart rates can result in some weakening of the heart muscle. In general, being in atrial fibrillation does not otherwise damage the heart.