Embolic stroke is one of the most feared medical conditions.  It is perhaps the major morbidity risk from AFib.  AFib accounts for more than 100,000 –125,000 embolic strokes per year, with >20% of these fatal.  However, AFib not only increases risk for the cerebral emboli that cause overt stroke symptoms and the residua; AFib may also lead to impairments of cognitive function caused by so-called “silent infarctions.” 

Reiffel JA. Am J Med 2013; 126: 00-00.