Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause blood clots to form in your heart. Having atrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke by five times.
You might be prescribed blood-thinning medication to reduce your risk of a TIA or stroke. This guide explains the two types of blood-thinning medication available, antiplatelets and anticoagulants, and how they are used after a stroke or for someone with atrial fibrillation.
You might be given blood-thinning medications after you've had a stroke, to help you avoid another one. Or you might need blood-thinning medication if you have a health condition such as a heart problem or blood-clotting disorder which could lead to a stroke.
People with a type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AF) are five times more likely to have a stroke. This guide explains what AF is diagnosed, how it increases your risk of stroke and how it is treated.
A stroke won’t just affect you, but everyone around you too. It can put a strain on your relationships and can also affect your sex life. But there are things you can do to help you cope with the impact.
A haemorrhagic stroke is due to bleeding in or around the brain. While less common than strokes that are caused by a blockage, they can be much more serious.
An ischaemic stroke happens when a blood clot, or other blockage, cuts off the blood supply to your brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
Information about atrial fibrillation for healthcare and other professionals. We have a number of resources available including guides and factsheets.