Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder. Although this type of irregular heart rhythm isn’t usually life-threatening on its own, it can lead to other potentially life-threatening conditions. People with atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, have a significantly increased risk of stroke. Still, having AFib does not mean you will have a stroke. Being proactive about managing AFib and stroke prevention can reduce stroke risk and improve your quality of life.

Why AFib Raises Stroke Risk

To understand how managing AFib can lower your risk of a stroke, you first need to know how AFib affects your heart.

In atrial fibrillation, electrical signals between the heart’s upper and lower chambers are not well coordinated. This causes the upper left chamber, or atria, to beat irregularly or too quickly. When this happens, the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently, causing blood to pool in a part of the left atria wall called the left atrial appendage.

Pooling blood can form clots. If a blood clot breaks loose, it may travel through the bloodstream and lodge in an artery, preventing blood flowing to the brain and causing an ischemic stroke.

Taking action to restore your heart to a normal rhythm can also lower your stroke risk. Here are five tips to get you started.

1. Talk with Your Physician About AFib and Stroke Prevention

The first step in managing AFib is having a conversation with your physician. Let them know what symptoms you’re having, how often you have them and if they interfere with your life. Possible treatment options include:

• Anticoagulant medication, also called a blood thinner, to help prevent blood clots
• Medication to stabilize heart rate or rhythm
• Minimally invasive procedures to restore heart rate or rhythm
• Surgery to close the left atrial appendage or implant a pacemaker

2. Manage Other Chronic Health Conditions

Some chronic health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can increase your risk of AFib. Managing these chronic health conditions can help decrease irregular heartbeat due to AFib and lower stroke risk.

3. Get or Stay Physically Active

Getting regular exercise can help you manage AFib and decrease your stroke risk. Aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.

If you’re new to exercise, it’s been a while or you have another heart or lung condition, talk with your physician before beginning a new routine. They may recommend cardiac rehabilitation or physical therapy to help you get started safely.

4. Prioritize Sleep

Too little, too much or poor-quality sleep can worsen AFib and may increase stroke risk. Six to eight hours of sleep each night is ideal. To get the best possible sleep, practice good sleep hygiene. Talk with your physician if you find falling or staying asleep challenging.

5. Manage Stress for AFib and Stroke Prevention

Stress is a normal part of life. However, too much stress over a long period can take a toll on your health. Learning how to manage chronic stress may decrease your AFib symptoms and stroke risk.