Locate an AFib specialist near you Find a specialist
Skip to main content
Old couple smiling and walking inside a park with dog.

Stroke risk and Atrial fibrillation

Did you know that strokes could be a complication of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), talk to your specialist to understand your risk.

The link between AFib and stroke

If blood is not pumped efficiently from the top to the bottom chambers of the heart, it may collect in the left atrial appendage (LAA), where it stagnates, creating a dangerous environment for thrombus (blood clot) formation. If a blood clot dislodges from the LAA and travels to the brain, it may block the blood flow and cause a stroke.

1 out of 3 people

with AFib will have a stroke in their lifetime1

5x higher chance of having a stroke

in people with AFib vs. people with a regular heartbeat2

How does Atrial fibrillation (AFib) cause stroke?

Heart image.

Your heart has an electrical system that controls the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. In a healthy heart, the electrical signals produce a steady heartbeat and blood pumps normally.4

Heart image showing disorganized signals in the atria.

In atrial fibrillation (AFib), the electrical signals are disorganised and the top two chambers of the heart, the atria, beat rapidly and irregularly (fibrillate).4

Heart image showing blood clot.

Because blood isn’t pumped out of the heart normally, it’s easier for blood cells to stick together and form clots in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA).5 If a blood clot escapes, it can travel through the bloodstream to the brain and may cause a stroke.4

Reducing the risk of stroke

Blood thinner medications, also called anticoagulant drugs, are an effective way to lower the risk of stroke in people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem. Other ways to reduce your stroke risk include an active lifestyle, not drinking or smoking.5

The blood thinner warfarin has been around for more than 60 years.

For people who need an alternative, there are heart procedures such as Left Atrial Appendage Closure that is a permanent implant intended to reduce blood clots from escpacing which could cause a stroke.1

Learn more about left atrial appendage closure
  1. Blackshear JL, Odell JA. Appendage obliteration to reduce stroke in cardiac surgical patients with atrial fibrillation. Ann Thorac Surg. 1996;61:755-759.
  2. FAQ About AFib. American Heart Association, Inc., 2023. Available at: www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/Atrial-Fibrillation/FAQ-About-AFib.pdf. Accessed June 10, 2024.
  3. Atrial Fibrillation (Afib). Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16765-atrial-fibrillation-afib. Accessed June 10, 2024. 
  4. National Stroke Association. Making the Afib-Stroke Connection. https://www.stroke.org/sites/default/files/resources/Afib-Connection%20for%20hcp.pdf. Published 2012. Accessed September 1, 2016.
  5. Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAA). Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17167-left-atrial-appendage--closure. Accessed June 10, 2024.

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.  All images are the property of Boston Scientific. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Individual symptoms, situations, circumstances and results may vary. This website is meant for information purposes only, it is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment. This site is intended for Australian and New Zealand residents only. Please review the Boston Scientific Privacy Policy for practices on the collection, storage, use and disclosure of your personal information.

CAUTION: Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com.