There are many different ways to volunteer with us and we will work with you to find the right fit.
Try our new app – free to access without a log-in or subscription – to find an experienced doctor, estimate healthcare costs, and book appointments.
Learn more
Join your team, your way! The Stroke Challenge team is a great way to get active in 2016.
Join Today
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) affects an estimated 2.2 million people in the U.S. AFib is a type of irregular heartbeat, often caused when the two upper chambers of the heart beat unpredictably and sometimes rapidly. These irregular heartbeats can cause blood to collect in the heart and potentially form a clot, which can travel to a person’s brain and cause a stroke.
To help raise awareness about the association between AFib and the increased risk of stroke, National Stroke Association has developed the AFib-Stroke Connection. The initiative provides tools to patients and primary care practitioners and their staff to help begin—or continue—discussion about AFib-related stroke between people with AFib and those who provide support and/or healthcare. Learn how the tools can be used by patients or healthcare practitioners.
Atrial Fibrillation Facts
Know the facts about AFib and prevent stroke from happening to you.
AFib is:
It's important to note:
Tools for Patients
It can be difficult to receive an atrial fibrillation (AFib) diagnosis. People with AFib are often overwhelmed by the condition and how it may impact them. Many people with AFib are unaware of the five-times greater risk of stroke as a result of having AFib.
Making the AFib-Stroke Connection is a patient-friendly brochure that covers basic AFib and stroke definitions, treatment options, tips for managing anxiety and what family and friends should know about AFib and stroke.
Monitor your risk with this easy-to-use tracking card.
Tools for Healthcare Professionals
Despite evidence-based guidelines for managing AFib and estimates that two-thirds of AFib-related strokes can be avoided, serious gaps continue to exist between clinical knowledge and practice, leaving patients at risk for disabling strokes. Stroke in patients with AFib has worse outcomes than non–AFib-related stroke, including higher mortality, stroke recurrence and greater functional impairment and dependency. Although existing guidelines define effective therapeutic strategies for managing AFib to reduce stroke risk, these strategies are frequently underused or inappropriately understood. Both physician and patient knowledge and attitudes play an important role in the success of current strategies to manage AFib to prevent stroke.
Read more about how the tools can be used by healthcare professionals.
Atrial fibrillation: Impact of Stroke Survey
The impact of atrial fibrillation (AFib)-related stroke on patients and caregivers can be devastating. Learn about the findings from a new survey fielded by National Stroke Association, Heart Rhythm Society and Boehringer Ingelheim.
Learn more
Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer Inc. Partnership.
For over 30 years we have been the trusted source for free resources and education to the stroke community. Together, we empower survivors and their circle of care to thrive after stroke. Make your tax-deductible donation today to support the growing needs of the stroke community.
