You are here: > > > >     Preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation A new technique helps to predict the risk of stroke, and helps doctors decide when to anticoagulate By It has long been known that patients who have chronic, persistent, or frequent episodes of atrial fibrillation have an increased risk of stroke.  (Click here for a .)   The increased risk comes from the fact that, during atrial fibrillation, the heart's atria are not squeezing effectively.  Consequently, the blood tends to "pool" in the atria - and whenever blood flow is disrupted, blood clotting can occur.  Clots that form in the atria can break loose eventually, and if the clots travel through the arteries to the brain, a stroke results. For patients who have atrial fibrillation, the risk of stroke depends on their age, and on other medical conditions they may have.  Be

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