What are the risks of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Studies, such as the Framingham study, have shown that atrial fibrillation is an independent risk factor for stroke, with a five-fold increased risk of stroke compared to those without atrial fibrillation. Additionally, the Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Working Group found that patients with atrial fibrillation are at higher risk of stroke than those without atrial fibrillation, with a 7.1 percent annual risk of stroke compared to a 1.8 percent annual risk of stroke in those without atrial fibrillation.  