Atrial Fib: Preventing Strokes with Blood Thinners: Andrew Benn, MD

Season 1, Ep #5: In this episode of Living Heart Smart, Dr. Andy Benn discusses the relationship between atrial fibrillation (AFib) and stroke. They emphasize the importance of stroke prevention and the impact it can have on patients' lives. The conversation covers the definition of a stroke, the different types of strokes, and the role of AFib in stroke development. They also discuss the CHADS-VASc score, which helps determine the need for blood thinners in AFib patients. The episode concludes with a discussion on the different types of blood thinners available and their advantages over warfarin.

Takeaways

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is strongly associated with an increased risk of stroke.

Strokes can be categorized as hemorrhagic (bleeding into the brain) or ischemic (clogging of the blood supply to the brain).

The majority of strokes in AFib patients are caused by blood clots that form in the left atrial appendage and travel to the brain.

The CHADS-VASc score is used to assess stroke risk in AFib patients and determine the need for blood thinners.

Newer blood thinners, known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), are as effective as warfarin in preventing strokes and have fewer drug interactions and dietary restrictions.

Regular exercise is an important lifestyle factor that can help reduce the risk of stroke and improve overall health in AFib patients.

Sound Bites

"We're talking about atrial fibrillation, but we're also talking about stroke."

"A stroke is a brain event. With that one stroke, they may lose function of motor, speech, vision, or general cognition."

"The majority of strokes caused by atrial fibrillation are due to clots forming in the left atrial appendage."

Medical Disclaimer

The Living Heart Smart podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.