Complications of a stroke | Absolute arrhythmia – You should know that

Complications of a stroke

The complication of stroke is probably the most severe and feared consequence of absolute arrhythmia. The irregular movement of the atria causes a change in the flow characteristics of the blood, which promotes the formation of blood clots. These blood clots can travel from the atria to the ventricles and from here they can be ejected into the body’s circulation.

Depending on the route the blood clot takes, the consequences can be more or less serious. Probably the worst consequence is a stroke, when the blood clot moves a vessel that supplies the brain with blood. For this reason, one of the most important principles in the therapy of absolute arrhythmia is blood thinning to prevent the formation of blood clots.

What is my life expectancy with absolute arrhythmia?

The sole absolute arrhythmia can be accompanied by a normal life expectancy with consequent therapy. However, if other underlying diseases are added, the combination of the diseases can reduce life expectancy. In particular, diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as high blood pressure, or disorders of sugar or fat metabolism such as diabetes can have a negative influence on the prognosis of atrial fibrillation.

In general, however, a normal life expectancy is also possible with well-treated secondary diseases. Thromboembolism prophylaxis is most important in cases of permanent atrial fibrillation, since the formation of a blood clot and, as a consequence, a stroke is one of the most serious complications of absolute arrhythmia and significantly reduces life expectancy and quality of life. This topic might also be of interest to you: Myocardial infarction

Forms of absolute arrhythmia

Atrial fibrillation or absolute arrhythmia can be divided into different forms, with the classifications differing in origin and duration. Primarily, primary atrial fibrillation can be distinguished from secondary atrial fibrillation. In addition to the cause, absolute arrhythmia can also be classified by frequency and duration.

• Primary: Approximately 15% of all people with atrial fibrillation suffer from primary atrial fibrillation in which there is no detectable underlying heart disease or risk factors. – secondary: Secondary atrial fibrillation, on the other hand, is always caused by an underlying triggering factor, such as heart disease, valvular disease, disturbances in the water and salt balance or other underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). – Atrial fibrillation that spontaneously returns to normal heart rhythm within 48 hours to seven days is called paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
• If the atrial fibrillation lasts longer than seven days and then spontaneously returns to normal heart rhythm or is brought back to normal heart rhythm by a physician using cardioversion, this is called persistent atrial fibrillation. – A persistent atrial fibrillation, on the other hand, describes an absolute arrhythmia which can under no circumstances be brought back into the normal heart rhythm and is therefore accepted.