Some people with atrial fibrillation notice a racing, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat. Others experience fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Some have no obvious symptoms at all.
However, feeling your heart skip a beat does not automatically mean you have atrial fibrillation, and an irregular heartbeat does not mean a stroke is imminent.
Diagnosis requires appropriate medical evaluation, which may include an electrocardiogram or other heart-rhythm monitoring.
If atrial fibrillation is confirmed, a clinician can assess stroke risk and determine whether medication or other treatment is appropriate.
What to do: Arrange medical assessment for a newly noticed or recurring irregular heartbeat. Seek emergency help if it is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, or symptoms suggesting a stroke.
- Diabetes and Persistently High Blood Sugar
Diabetes is another important risk factor for stroke, particularly when blood glucose levels remain poorly controlled over time.
High blood sugar can contribute to damage affecting blood vessels and often occurs alongside other risk factors, including high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels.
