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Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib) is an irregular, weak heartbeat that increases the risk of heart disease, heart failure and stroke. When your heartbeat isn't strong and steady, blood can collect or pool in the upper chambers of the heart. Clots can then form and travel to the brain, the legs and other areas. In the brain, clots can block blood flow and cause a stroke.
An irregular and rapid heart rate can be caused by your age, genetic makeup or other health conditions, including:
Some people who have AFib don’t know they have it and don’t have symptoms. Others may experience:
AFib increases a person’s risk for stroke by up to five times compared to people who do not have AFib.
So if you are experiencing symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or find a heart specialist. Through our network of heart specialists and services, we can provide you with all the care you need – to live life to its fullest with a strong, healthy heart.
At Mercy, we offer comprehensive testing services to diagnose conditions and injuries, including:
At Mercy, we offer compassionate care for a variety of treatment services, including: