What is atrial fibrillation?

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Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that raises the risk of stroke and may cause dizziness, fatigue, and balance problems. Blood thinners reduce clot risk but make falls more dangerous. To lower fall risk, experts recommend exercise, a safer home environment, and personal alarm systems.

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Understanding atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder where the atria beat irregularly and often too quickly. This means the heart cannot pump blood as effectively. It is relatively common, and the prevalence increases with age. It is estimated that about 3% of Sweden’s population lives with atrial fibrillation [1].

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary greatly. Some people experience no problems at all, while others have clear signs:

• Heart palpitations

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Chest pain

Risks and complications

One of the biggest risks of atrial fibrillation is that blood may pool in the atria, forming clots. These can then cause a stroke or other serious vascular diseases [2]. Because of this, many patients are treated with anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication.

Connection to falls

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. Atrial fibrillation can increase fall risk in several ways:

1. Dizziness and fainting – Irregular rhythm can lower blood pressure, leading to balance issues.

2. Side effects of medication – Anticoagulants don’t increase fall risk directly but make the consequences of a fall more severe, as bleeding is harder to control [3].

3. Fatigue and reduced stamina – Symptoms may affect daily activities and mobility.

This means that people with atrial fibrillation not only face a higher stroke risk but also need to be extra cautious about balance and falls.

Preventive measures

Several strategies can help reduce risk:

• Regular physical activity to strengthen balance and fitness.

• Home modifications to remove tripping hazards.

• Personal alarm systems to get quick help after a fall.

• Regular medical checkups to monitor heart rhythm and medication.

Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The personal alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.