In this video, cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck explain that stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, causing the affected brain tissue to die. The interruption of blood supply to the brain can be caused by a blood clot that breaks off and goes to the brain, or narrowing in one of the arteries that supply blood to the brain, or in some cases bleeding in the brain. A stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone with you experiences any symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

In this video, cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck explain that atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that causes poor blood flow through the heart and body. This poor flow can cause blood to pool inside the top chambers of the heart (atria), increasing the risk of blood clots. During atrial fibrillation, the top chambers of the heart (the atria) contract very rapidly and irregularly - out of coordination with the lower chambers (ventricles) that also tend to beat in a rapid and irregular fashion. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, and the risk of developing it increases with age. One of the main complications of atrial fibrillation is stroke, so it’s very important to discuss this with your doctor.

In this video, cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck explain what non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is compared to valvular atrial fibrillation. Non-valvular atrial fibrillation can be caused by non-valvular reasons such as hypertension, heart failure, sleep apnea, or for unknown reasons.

Cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck discuss the relationship between stroke and atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke because when there is atrial fibrillation, blood does not flow normally through the heart and can stagnate, pool, and sometimes form blood clots. If blood clots form in the heart, they can break off and go directly to the brain and cause stroke.

In this video, cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck explain the common signs and symptoms of stroke. Very common symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body (left or right side), being unable to walk, and speech problems such as slurring or not being able to speak at all (aphasia). Stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone with you experiences any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Expert cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck describe the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Signs and symptoms to watch out for include palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort and trouble with exercise tolerance. Some individuals might not show symptoms or may have non-specific symptoms. If you have atrial firbrillation symptoms that concern you, see your doctor.

In this video, cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck describe how stroke is diagnosed through physical examination, assessment of signs and symptoms, and test results from imaging studies of the brain via CAT scan or MRI. Stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone with you experiences any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Expert cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck explain the ways that atrial fibrillation is diagnosed, including physical examination, assessment of signs and symptoms, and results from an electrocardiogram test (also called ECG or EKG) that detects atrial fibrillation at the time it is happening. For patients who have intermittent or infrequent atrial fibrillation, a 24 hour Holter monitor or a longer term event recorder may be used to monitor heart rhythm and detect atrial fibrillation.

In this video, cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck discuss the major risk factors that can lead to stroke. Major risk factors include advancing age, high blood pressure (hypertension), unhealthy cholesterol levels (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease), smoking, diabetes, as well as heart diseases including heart failure where the heart muscle gets weak.

In this video, Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck discuss the major risk factors that can lead to atrial fibrillation. Some of the atrial fibrillation risk factors discussed include advancing age, high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity and being markedly overweight, and sleep apnea.

In this video, expert cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck discuss how a stroke can be prevented. They emphasize that it is important to treat any medical conditions that could be related to or cause a stroke, and to keep blood pressure (hypertension) and cholesterol levels well controlled. It is very important that people who smoke should quit smoking. Following a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of stroke, such as healthy eating choices, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.

Expert cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck discuss how a stroke can be prevented in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). A key factor is to prevent blood clots from forming in the heart. They discuss blood thinner medications (anticoagulants) which act to prevent the build up of blood clots in the heart. Some patients may be at very low risk for developing a blood clot related to atrial fibrillation, while others may be at very high risk. The higher the risk, the more critical it is for the patient to take and stay on blood thinner medication.

In this video, cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck explain how a stroke is treated and managed. To treat a stroke caused by a blood clot or blockage, doctors must urgently restore blood flow to the brain by opening up the blockage or getting rid of the clot. Sometimes a stent will be used to open up a blockage and restore blood flow. If there is a blockage in the carotid artery then surgery will be performed to open the blockage. In addition, antiplatelet medications (such as Aspirin or Aspirin-like drugs) are used to prevent future strokes. A stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone with you experiences any stroke symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck explain how non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is treated and managed. There are three key components for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation: blood clot prevention, heart rate control, and heart rhythm control. To prevent blood clots from forming, doctors will prescribe blood-thinning medicines called anticoagulants. To slow the heart rate down, doctors will prescribe medications that help bring the heart rate to a normal level. To reset and maintain normal heart rhythm, doctors will prescribe medicines or advanced options like catheter ablation to control the heart's rhythm.

In this video discussion, cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck discuss the risks and benefits of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications for stroke and atrial fibrillation. The benefit of taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications is that they reduce the risk of stroke because they help to stop blood clots from forming. The main side-effect of these medicines is an increased risk of bleeding. The medications you take will depend on your risk of getting stroke, so speak to your doctor about balancing the benefits with the side effects of these medications. Take your medications as prescribed and have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your medicines are causing side effects.

Expert cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck discuss important lifestyle changes to help manage atrial fibrillation and reduce the risk of a stroke. They emphasize the importance of quitting smoking, keeping hypertension and cholesterol under control, treating sleep apnea, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet. In addition, always work with your doctor to manage your condition and take your medications as prescribed. Tell your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse, or if you have new symptoms. Some people with atrial fibrillation may not even notice that they are having an episode – so it is critically important to stay on your medication so that if you have silent episodes of atrial fibrillation you don't put yourself at risk of having a stroke.

In this video, cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck talk about the different types of triggers that may bring about an episode of atrial fibrillation. Some of the triggers discussed in this video include big meals, alcohol, and caffeine. Triggers will vary from patient to patient and can be unpredictable. Recognizing your triggers and avoiding them can help decrease the frequency of atrial fibrillation episodes and lower your risk for stroke.

Cardiologists Dr. Anne Curtis and Dr. Hiroko Beck describe the new medications that are available for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The newer blood thinners (anticoagulants) are very simple to use, don’t require blood test monitoring, and the dosage is set from the start. It is important to always work with your doctor to manage your condition and take your medications as prescribed.