Atrial fibrillation - also known as AF or AFib - is not usually life threatening - however, it can sometimes cause uncomfortable symptoms and, when untreated, it can increase your chance of having a stroke by 4 to 5 times.1,2
Your doctor may prescribe you an anticoagulant, sometimes known as a blood thinner to help reduce your risk of an AF-related stroke.2,3 However, anticoagulants may also cause you to bruise and bleed more easily, and any bleeding, if it happens, may take longer to stop.2,4
Although this may be worrying, it does not mean that you need to stop doing the things that you love. Understanding what to do if you have a bleed while on an anticoagulant and how you can prevent injury in your everyday life, may be helpful. With some lifestyle modifications, you may also reduce your risk of having AF symptoms or a stroke.5