A 25-year-old member asked:
can atrial fibrillation be life threatening?
2 doctor answers

Dr. Mark Stern answered
46 years experience Cardiology
Indirectly: It can lead to stroke or heart attack of left untreated.
Answered on May 13, 2016

Dr. Jason Rubenstein answered
20 years experience Cardiology
Yes: Atrial fibrillation increase the risk of stroke, which can be disabling or fatal. Strokes from af tend to be worse than non-af strokes. Additionally, if the af causes a fast pulse for a prolonged period of time, this may lead to weakening of the heart and cause heart failure. A very fast pulse, even for a short period, can precipitate a heart attack in someone with underlying blocked arteries.
Answered on Oct 7, 2018
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