How seriously should I take my aunt's arterial fibrulation?

Factual Questions
1

I saw my elderly aunt (82, in a care home) yesterday and she was complaining of pains in her breast and chest. So I asked the care home staff to have the doctor see her. This was done today and I got a phone call to say that my aunt was suffering from arterial fibrulation.

Now, she’s under the care of a doctor and nursing staff, and she’s been told to rest - not that she does much more than that anyway - for the next few days. But what I’d like to know is how serious is this for someone of her age? Is it just another small step in her continuing decline or should I expect to be acting as executor of her estate soonish?

2

It’s atrial fibrillation, and it’s the former rather than the latter for most folks.

Though it can cause serious problems for some folks. Strokes can be a problem, and many folks with atrial fibrillation may opt to be on blood thinners to minimize this risk.

But blood thinners may be a greater risk than benefit for other patients.

If the person is already having trouble with heart failure, AF can worsen it.

But many people live for decades with AF, without significant debility.

3

Ah, that’s good news, thanks.