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WATCHMAN: Preventing Stroke in Patients with Afib

Living with Afib? You're not Alone

Atrial fibrillation, or afib, is the most commonly treated irregular heart rhythm in the United States.
The condition can develop with age and may occur without any noticeable symptoms, while others may experience:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Lightheadedness
  • Chest pain
  • Anxiety

Not everyone who experiences afib will remain in afib. In fact, for many, the irregular rhythm comes and goes, lasting for hours or days before the heart’s rhythm returns to normal. As time goes on, it is not uncommon for afib to become more frequent and persistent.

 

Preventing Stroke Key to Afib Management

While symptoms can vary, atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of stroke for all who are affected. In fact, those with afib are significantly more likely to experience a stroke compared to the general population. That’s why stroke prevention is key to afib management.

How does fib increase the risk of stroke?

When the heart beats normally, each of the chambers work together to fill with blood and pump it to the rest of the body. During atrial fibrillation, the heart beats rapidly and irregularly, causing blood to pool instead of passing through. When this happens, blood clots can form, which can then travel to the brain and interrupt blood flow, resulting in stroke.

A stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. BEFAST is an acronym that can be used to spot stroke symptoms: 

  • B is for balance. Are you unsteady on your feet?
  • E is for eyes. Any blurred, double or loss of vision?
  • Fis for face. Is one side of your face drooping or numb?
  • A is for arms. Is one arm weaker or difficult to raise?
  • S is for speech. Any difficulty speaking/understanding words?
  • T is for time. Call 911 immediately. Minutes matter.

 

What can I do to prevent stroke?

If you have afib, the most common way to reduce the risk of stroke is through anticoagulants, or blood thinners. These medications are designed to keep the blood from sticking together, making clots and blockages less likely. Blood thinners are recommended for the majority of people with afib, but might not be right for those with a history of GI or brain bleeds, at high-risk for falling, or who have hazardous occupations or hobbies.

Fortunately, several interventions known as left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedures are available for patients who are unable to take blood thinners.

If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and are not currently taking a blood thinner, talk to your doctor about anticoagulants or alternative treatments to reduce the risk of stroke.

How do LAAC procedures and WATCHMAN prevent stroke?

The left atrial appendage is a small, pouch-like section of the heart. It is also the area of the heart where blood clots are mostly likely to form, particularly in people with afib.

A left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedure reduces the risk of stroke by eliminating this portion of the heart’s anatomy, either by removing it, clipping it, or sealing it off.

While removing or clipping the left atrial appendage are generally done during open heart surgery, a procedure known as WATCHMAN can be performed similarly to a heart cath.

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