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CAN RISK OF STROKE BE REDUCED?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause blood clots to form in the heart.1 People with AFib are 5 times more likely to suffer a stroke than someone with a regular heartbeat.2 With AFib, most blood clots that lead to stroke are formed in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). The LAA is a pouch connected to the left atrium that can be surgically closed to prevent clots from escaping into the rest of the body.3

Learn about AFib and LAA

A factor that is associated with an increased risk of stroke is the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). A PFO is an opening in the heart between the two upper chambers that never fully closed after birth. This opening can allow clots to bypass the lungs and cross to the left side of the heart. From there, they can be pumped to the brain, causing a stroke.4

Learn about PFO and stroke risk

MAT-2304041 v2.0 | Item approved for U.S. use only.

References
  1. Mayo Clinic. Atrial fibrillation. Accessed March 15, 2023. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350624
  2. Ganjehei L, Massumi A, Razavi M, Rasekh A. Stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Tex Heart Inst J. 2011;38(4):350-352
  3. Onalan O, Crystal E. Left atrial appendage exclusion for stroke prevention in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. Stroke. 2007;38(2 Suppl):624-30. doi:10.1161/01.STR.0000250166.06949.95
  4. American Heart Association. Patent foramen ovale (PFO). Accessed March 15, 2023. www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo
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