Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Pathophysiology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to atrial fibrillation, stroke types, and their associated risk factors.

Atrial Fibrillation (A fib)

A condition where the atria do not contract normally and may instead fibrillate or flutter, leading to decreased cardiac output and potential blood clot formation.

Atrial Kick

The additional volume of blood that the atria push into the ventricles during contraction; essential for maintaining cardiac output.

Ischemic Stroke

A type of stroke that occurs when blood supply to the brain is obstructed, often due to a clot that has traveled from elsewhere in the body.

Risk Factors for Stroke

Conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of stroke, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, age (greater than or equal to 65), and hyperlipidemia.

Anticoagulants

Medications prescribed to prevent blood clot formation, especially in patients with conditions like A fib.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood the heart pumps in a minute; critical for ensuring adequate blood flow to organs and tissues.

Ischemia

A condition of reduced blood flow to tissues, resulting in a lack of oxygen and nutrients.

Embolic Stroke

A type of ischemic stroke where a clot travels from another part of the body and lodges in a brain artery, causing blockage.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, a risk factor for both stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Atherosclerosis

A condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack.