Risk of stroke in AF

[cck35]

I have had AF for six years.  I believe my condition is mild but each episode can last between 24-36 hours.  And AF recurs between 5-10 days.  My doctor tells me that the risk of having a stroke during AF may be high for someone of my age (74).  My view is that, when the atria is quivering at more than 400 per minute during AF, it would be unlikely for the blood cells to coagulate to form a clot.  Besides, the heart itself is not motion free.  And no one can tell whether the clot that manages to travel to the brain comes from the atria.  Would appreciate comments about my view as whether it makes any sense.  Thanks.

[cindy707]

First off i need to warn you that too many electrolytes in your system can definately trigger atrial fib so never touch them w/out consulting your doctor ......the next is that if you take any supplements again clear it with your doctor.  They may counter act the meds you are on and may increase the episodes...alway clear anything you put into your body w. your doc....very very important.  The good news is this...if you are worried about clot issues remember that docs have clot busters so its not like in the old days that if you threw a clot and you stroked out it was not reversible...if given a clot buster within generally a 6 hour period most people are good to go so thats the good news....like Kay said the blood pools and then thru natural motion a little pressure usually builds up and tosses it thru your system...and like that old saying goes "where it lands nobody knows" at least in advance.  I don't know if i answered your question but just wanted to toss in my two cents worth...

[caregiver222]

I do not agree that you should be on warfarin. It is an over prescribed medication.

Worse, under existing protoclls a physician cannot suggest an alternative unless you want one. Coumadin represents the "standard of care".

You should make an extra effort to maintain good hydration with plenty of electrolytes. Dehydration is a big co-factor, especially in the over sixty-five group.

You should also take 1000 mg a day of omega-3 fish oil, and a nice baby aspirin. You could tolerate a full aspirin, if it does not cause stomach upset.

Also consult with your physician about the taking of magnesium glycinate supplement, which sometimes resolves atrial fibrilation.

[kay2486]

when you have a fib the blood in the atrium is not being pumped afficiently so it pools forming clots that can then pass through the body but it has a long journey before it reaches the brain, i would of thought people would be more at risk of heart attack that a a stroke, so i understand what you're saying, your doctor should give you something to prevent a blood clot such as blood thinners like warfarin, have you been given these meds? if not id ask or take aspirin everyday to prevent clots

[Jerry_NJ]

Well you have by "conventional wisdom" at least two factors driving clots:  age and intermittent AFib.  My thinking is given the low amount of time you spend in AFib makes a clot very unlikely - no one is 100% safe from clot formation.  Still, I'd at least take a aspirin a day... maybe a low dose if you want to minimize.  

As for your theories, I have nothing to add or detract, but a safety belt is hopefully never needed, but I wear one anyway.  I take both Warfarin and aspirin, but then I have the age strike against me and am in AFib full time.