When the upper chambers of the heart do not pump efficiently, there is a risk of blood clots moving into the lower chambers of the organ.
The clots may subsequently get pumped into the blood supply to the lungs, and the general blood circulation which could result in a stroke.
In fact, studies suggest atrial fibrillation is associated with a five-fold increased risk of ischaemic stroke, stroke recurrence and mortality.
“The most important point to make is that a heart arrhythmia can be serious, but equally it can also be a ‘one-off’ and nothing to worry about,” noted Doctor Sultan.