Strokes more likely for women with A-fib than men

  

June 1, 2012 (WLS) -- Women with irregular heartbeats are slightly more likely to suffer a stroke than men with the condition.

Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder. Scientists say doctors need to consider a patient's sex when making decisions about treatment.

Atrial fibrillation raises the risk of blood clots and stroke. People with the condition are sometimes prescribed anti-clotting drugs.

Scientists say their study suggests in borderline situations that females should probably tip the scale towards initiating treatment.

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