Stroke & Heart Health: How Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Rhythm Disorders Increase Stroke Risk — and How Elliot Supports Patients Through Early Intervention

Stroke and heart health are more connected than many people realize. In fact, one of the most common causes of stroke is a heart rhythm condition called atrial fibrillation, or AFib. During Stroke Awareness Month, we’re helping our community understand how heart rhythm disorders increase stroke risk — and how Elliot Health System’s coordinated care can help protect patients. To help explain this connection, we spoke with Jason B. Fleming, MD, neurologist with Elliot Neurology Associates and Kevin C. Floyd, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist with Elliot Cardiovascular Consultants. 

What Is Atrial Fibrillation? 

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is an irregular heartbeat that causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat out of sync with the lower chambers. Instead of pumping blood smoothly, the heart may quiver or beat too quickly. 

Many people don’t feel symptoms at all. Others may notice: 

• A fluttering or racing heartbeat 

• Shortness of breath 

• Fatigue 

• Dizziness 

Even when AFib feels mild, it can have serious consequences. 

“AFib can seem subtle, but its impact is significant,” says Kevin C. Floyd, MD. “Even short, unnoticed episodes can raise stroke risk, which is why early detection and treatment are so important.” 

How AFib Increases Stroke Risk 

When the heart doesn’t beat normally, blood can pool inside the heart and form a clot. If that clot travels to the brain, it can block blood flow and cause an ischemic stroke. 

AFib increases stroke risk fivefold, making it one of the most important heart conditions to detect early. 

Other Heart Rhythm Disorders That Raise Stroke Risk 

While AFib is the most common, other arrhythmias can also contribute to stroke risk, including: 

• Atrial flutter 

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) 

• Ventricular arrhythmias (VT) 

These conditions can affect how efficiently the heart pumps blood, increasing the chance of clot formation. 

How Elliot’s Cardiology Team is Helping to Protect Patients 

Elliot Health System’s Heart and Vascular Center, located in Manchester, includes a specialized Electrophysiology (EP) program dedicated to diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders. 

Our EP team uses advanced tools and treatments such as: 

• Holter and event monitors to detect irregular rhythms 

• Electrophysiology studies to pinpoint the source of arrhythmias 

• Catheter ablation to correct abnormal electrical pathways 

• Medications to control heart rate and rhythm 

• Blood thinners to reduce stroke risk 

“Our goal is to treat arrhythmias before they lead to complications,” Dr. Floyd explains. “When we can restore a healthy rhythm or reduce clot risk, we’re directly protecting the brain.” 

By treating arrhythmias early, we help prevent dangerous clots from forming. 

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) With the WATCHMAN™ Device 

Elliot is continually expanding its stroke‑prevention tools, including new treatment options for patients with heart rhythm disorders. We now offer left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), a minimally invasive procedure designed to prevent stroke in patients with AFib who cannot take long‑term blood thinners. 

The WATCHMAN™ device is placed inside the heart’s left atrial appendage — the small pouch where most AFib‑related clots form. By sealing this area, the device prevents clots from entering the bloodstream and traveling to the brain. 

Dr. Floyd specializes in advanced heart rhythm management and structural heart interventions, including left atrial appendage occlusion.  

“Left atrial appendage occlusion gives us another powerful way to reduce stroke risk for patients with AFib,” Dr. Floyd says. “For individuals who cannot remain on long‑term anticoagulation, closing the appendage can be a safe and effective alternative.” 

A Team Approach: Heart and Brain Specialists Working Together 

Stroke prevention is the strongest when neurology and cardiology work hand‑in‑hand. At Elliot, our Electrophysiologists, Cardiologists, Neurologists, and Primary Care doctors and clinical teams collaborate to identify risk factors, manage heart rhythm disorders, and support patients through treatment and recovery. 

“Stroke prevention doesn’t start in the emergency room — it starts long before, with managing conditions like AFib,” says Jason B. Fleming, MD. “When neurology and cardiology work together, patients benefit from a more complete picture of their health.” 

This coordinated approach ensures patients receive comprehensive care that protects both heart and brain health. 

When to Talk to Your Doctor 

You should speak with a provider if you experience: 

• A racing or irregular heartbeat 

• Unexplained fatigue 

• Shortness of breath 

• Dizziness or fainting spells 

• A family history of arrhythmias or stroke 

Early detection can significantly reduce stroke risk. 

“If something feels off — even if it seems minor — it’s worth getting checked,” Dr. Fleming adds. “The earlier we identify a rhythm issue, the more options we have to prevent stroke.” 

Protecting Your Heart Protects Your Brain 

Understanding the connection between heart rhythm disorders and stroke is an important step toward prevention.  

With the addition of left atrial appendage occlusion and the WATCHMAN™ device, Elliot Health System is expanding its ability to help patients reduce stroke risk and stay protected. 

Learn more about stroke care and heart rhythm services at Elliot Health System.