Lecture highlights stroke prevention
People with atrial fibrillation have a 5 times higher risk of having a stroke than those without the heart condition. About 20 to 30 percent of ischemic strokes are caused by atrial fibrillation, according to a lecture on Thursday, the National Atrial Fibrillation Day.
Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, among middle-aged and elderly people. About 8 million people suffer atrial fibrillation in China.
“Atrial fibrillation can affect the heart function. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important,” said Dr He Ben from Shanghai Chest Hospital. “People with atrial fibrillation can expect long-term survival, but treatment is critical to reduce the risk of a stroke, which can be fatal or cause serious complications.”
Medication, radio-frequency ablation, catheter ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion are effective treatments.
Shanghai Chest Hospital has carried out both ablation and occlusion during the same procedure for patients with a high stroke risk.
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important.
