Stroke occurs when a blood vessel feeding the brain bursts or is clogged, causing disruption in blood flow to the brain.

Carotid artery disease is the leading cause of strokes and more than 50% of stroke victims present no warning signs

After the age of 55, the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years, more significantly, 97% of the adult population cannot name a single warning sign of a stroke

Stroke is the number one reason for nursing home admissions in the USA

According to The Stroke Association:

• Stroke is the third most common cause of death after heart disease and  cancer
• A total of 110,000 people a year will have a stroke and 50,000 will die
• Stroke is the single most common cause of severe disability
• More than 250,000 people live with disabilities caused by stroke
• Every 3.5 minutes in the UK, someone has a stroke
• Stroke costs £7.2 billion per year

-  Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) is the most common type of heart arrhythmia or irregular heart rhythm and is a significant risk factor for stroke increasing by 5 fold in those affected with Afib.

As a result of abnormal heart rhythm, blood is not pumped out of the atria completely and may pool.  Pooled blood is likely to form a clot and should the clot dislodge from the atria, it can travel to the brain (or other parts of the body) blocking blood flow, causing a stroke.

Atrial Fibrillation can occur with or without symptoms and can be chronic or intermittent.

Some causes of atrial fibrillation:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease – valve problems, history of heart attack, heart failure, recent heart surgery, and structural defects 
• Chronic lung disease 
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
• Obesity
• Sleep Apnea
• Diabetes
• Less common causes include thyroid disorders, viral infections and excessive alcohol or caffeine use.

How is Afib treated?

Afib can be treated by medication such as aspirin or warfarin to prevent blood clots,  and in some cases surgery may be required.  Treatment depends on the underlying cause of Afib, symptoms and medical history. 

The aims of Afib treatment is to:

• Prevent blood clots
• Control heart rate
• Restore normal heart rhythm
  

• Using standard medical ECG (electrocardiograph) equipment our screen for atrial fibrillation is quick, non-invasive and painless
• The test requires no preparation or removal of clothing
• Whilst lying down, four single-use electrodes are placed on wrists and legs
• The test requires only a few minutes to complete
• Your results will be reviewed by a fully accredited consultant, and results mailed within 10 business days

Please Note our screen for Atrial Fibrillation is accurate at the time of screening and therefore cannot rule out evidence of its occurence at any other time