Heart Health
Screening for atrial fibrillation: An update
Wearable devices can detect this often-silent heart disorder. But as screening tools, they’re not ready for prime time yet.
Nearly one in 11 people ages 65 and older have atrial fibrillation (afib), a heart rhythm disorder that causes bouts of rapid, irregular heartbeats. These unpredictable episodes — which may be fleeting or last for weeks or longer — may trigger symptoms such as dizziness and breathlessness, but not always.
However, the greatest threat from afib comes from the heightened risk of stroke that accompanies the condition. Because the heart’s upper chambers (atria) don’t contract regularly, blood may stagnate in the left atrium and form clots. If a clot escapes, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
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About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
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