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Complications of Atrial fibrillation

Because the blood in the upper chambers of the heart is not being carried through in a regular manner, there is a tendency for blood clots to form in these chambers. These clots may then be swept into the ventricles and pumped into the lungs from the right side of the heart and into the general circulation from the left ventricle. Clots (emboli) moving in the body will always block arteries, and this can be a serious matter.

The risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation is about double that in the general population. The overall incidence of stroke in these people is 5 per cent per year. This risk is increased with age, high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes and a history of embolism.

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