The beating of your heart can move one of these blood clots into your blood stream, and can cause a stroke. Your doctor can diagnose AF by carefully evaluating your pulse. AF can be confirmed or ruled out with an ECG which can probably be done in your doctor's office. If you have AF, your doctor may choose to lower your risk for stroke by prescribing medicine- blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin are the most commonly prescribed treatments. If you smoke, stop.
Smoking doubles the risk for stroke.
If you stop smoking today, your risk for stroke will immediately begin to drop. Within 5 years, your stroke risk may be the same as that of a nonsmoker. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Heavy drinking increases your risk for stroke. Find out if you have high cholesterol.