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Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke - Resources

Irregular heart rhythm: 'The majority of people with AF have no idea they have it'

"In at least 10 percent of the cases, no underlying heart disease is found. In these cases, AF may be related to alcohol or excessive caffeine use, stress, certain drugs, electrolyte or metabolic imbalances, severe infections, or genetic factors. In some cases, no cause can be found." - Cleveland Clinic

So, what is Atrial fibrillation or A-Fib? - When the heart's electrical system is not working correctly, the heart beats irregularly; either too rapid or out of rhythm.

Atrial Fibrillation is life-threatening condition. It is critical that everyone knows the facts about risk, treatment and recovery.

It is also important to know how A-Fib causes an increased risk for stroke.

When the heart is not beating regularly, it doesn't always pump all of the blood out of the ventricles and it can pool in the atria. Clots (thrombus) then can form. If one of these clots breaks free, it can travel to the brain and cause a embolic stroke.

Atrial fibrillation symptoms • heart palpitations • shortness of breath • weakness

Here are some related terms for A-Fib and some great links for information:

Cardioversion

Catheter radiofrequency ablation

Atrioventricular (AV) node ablation

Medications to control your heart rate

Antiarrhythmic Medicines

Small medical device (a pacemaker)

Maze heart surgery

Minimally invasive heart surgery

Cardiac rehabilitation

Here are some further recommended articles:

Anticoagulants for stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Antiplatelets for Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Regina Simmons Piano Player; Stroke Survivor Free Music Download from the Commercial

Regina Simmons is still playing her piano after suffering a stroke that almost took her life. She "love(s) playing the piano… She was "determined to play again."

She is offering a free download of the music that is heard in her commercial in an effort to help raise awareness. Stroke Risk is Real:

Help Regina Spread her message by downloading her mp3.

StrokeReginaSimmonsforDownload.mp3

Regina's TV commercial

Leave a comment for Regina below. :-)

Twitter Lists - Support and information for those affected by stroke

Here are some useful stroke-related twitter lists that can be used to connect, learn and ask questions. They are updated frequently.

I hope that you find them useful. - Vanessa

Spreading healthy information online

Good news that needs to be shared - Sharing healthy information on internet

Hi!

I thought that it might be a good time to sort of share a little more information about stopmystroke.

Gulfport Memorial Hospital received the federal grant, as a primary stroke center, to help educate 6 southern counties in Mississippi about the risk factors, symptoms and recovery options for stroke.

My name is Vanessa Carmody. I work as a contractor assisting the hospital with the social media part of the stopmystroke project. I am a video editor by trade but have enjoyed every second of helping with this effort.

Our webdesigner is Shannon Patterson.

This campaign has truly become something wonderful.

Stroke is such a horrible disease and is the reason for 1 in every 17 deaths. The stroke survivors that I have had contact with through this grant have each had the special gift of inspiration. When we started brainstorming for ideas about how to get the information out into the community, stroke survivors had the answer.

The overwhelming advice from those affected by stroke has been:

"Be knowledgeable because stroke can take away everything in an instant."

Losing what you love in life is always a possibility but there are ways to help prevent a stroke.

As we began promoting this message, people responded. I was excited to know that the information was getting out there, and hoped that it would help save lives and promote awareness for those affected by stroke.

My hope has been fulfilled by many comments and other forms of encouragement, but this one has really made me realize the power of information:

Recently, we had a community member contact us recently to tell us about his mother. She had a stroke and a family member wanted to call a friend instead of 911. Luckily, because of our local commercials and online campaign, he new to call 911 immediately and his mother was taken to the hospital, was treated and is expected to recover completely.

This story is amazing to me. It is good news and needs to be shared.

Information can and does save lives.

People can really do things to help others.

I want to thank all the non-profits, companies, community organizations and individuals who are involved in promoting healthy information.

You are all heroes.

-Vanessa

Aspirin Therapy Quiz - Stroke and Risk Factors

Stroke Survivor Poem - Anonymous

"Trying to overcome

Talking inside

Feeling 

Moving in my mind

I am here.

Help me show it."