AF patients unaware
October 6, 2010
ACCORDING to a recent Newspoll
survey only three in Australians over
the age of 65 believe they are at
increased risk of atrial fibrillation
(AF), despite over 2.4 million
people in this age category
currently living with a warning sign
that increases their risk of AF.
Atrial fibrillation is basically an
irregular heartbeat which can
greatly increase the risk of stroke
(by up to seven times), and the risk
of heart failure (by up to three times).
Warning signs of AF include an
irregular pulse, high blood pressure,
diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Interestingly, the Newspoll survey
also found that whilst estimations
conclude that one in five Aussies
will develop AF during their lifetime,
around half of respondents were
unaware of the condition.
The survey’s findings are backed
up by statistics which show that in
the past 10 years hospitalisations for
AF have increased by 67% to 47,000,
compared to the 10% increase
clocked by cardiovascular disease.
As a result of the survey and
statistical findings, medical
authorities are now encouraging
Aussies to simply check their own
pulse regularly to monitor whether
they are developing an irregular AF,
and if so to consult with their GP.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 06 Oct 10To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 06 Oct 10
