AFib happens when the electrical signals in your heart cause it to beat in irregular patterns.

This leads to less effective pumping of blood, and residual pooling of blood that can lead to clots.

Older adults are more likely to have other conditions that can complicate AFib, increasing mortality.

afib

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In some cases, treatment can correct AFib.

In younger adults, Black people have the highest mortality rates, while White people lag behind.

The main causes of death linked to AFib are ischemic diseases, like stroke and heart attack.

These are problems that develop when bloodand therefore oxygenis cut off from a particular part of the body.

Cerebral ischemic and ischemic heart disease are top causes of mortality in people with AFib.

Theseblood clotscan travel through the body, leading to strokes and other complications.

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