Heart & blood pressure
AFib After 60: What Your Stroke Risk Score Means and How to Check Your Own Pulse
Educational only, not medical advice. Talk to your own doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 911.
What this video covers
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, can raise your stroke risk even when you feel completely fine. In this video, a cardiac nurse explains AFib in plain words: what it is, why blood can pool in the heart and form clots, the different types of AFib, and common causes, including sleep apnea and alcohol.
You will learn how to check your own pulse for an irregular heartbeat in about one minute, and how the stroke risk score, called CHA2DS2-VASc, helps decide who needs a blood thinner, with real examples. Nurse Ade explains why aspirin is not a substitute for a blood thinner, goes over the BE FAST signs of a stroke, and gives five steps to take to your next visit. It is for adults over 60 and for families who want clear words and the right questions for the doctor. Many people are surprised to learn they could have AFib and feel nothing at all, which is why knowing your own pulse matters.
Key points
- What AFib is, and why blood can pool and form clots
- Types of AFib and common causes, including sleep apnea and alcohol
- How to check your pulse for an irregular heartbeat in 1 minute
- The stroke risk score explained with real examples
- Why aspirin is not a substitute for a blood thinner
- BE FAST stroke signs and five steps for your next visit
Chapters
- 0:00 The Hidden Danger of Irregular Heartbeats
- 1:49 The Five Parts of Your Heart's Health
- 5:19 Identifying Triggers and Root Causes
- 8:45 Decoding Your Stroke Risk Score
- 13:03 Five Practical Steps for Your Next Visit
