A call from the heart

An estimated 500,000 Australians have an irregular heartbeat condition called Atrial Fibrillation (AF), and hearts4heart is calling on Aussies to check for symptoms this Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week.

The health promotion charity, which is supported by cardiologists across Australia and New Zealand, is running the eighth annual Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week from September 19 – 25.

The Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of AF prevalence, educate people about the symptoms and risks, and encouraging people at risk to speak with their GP.

Alarmingly, up to 30 per cent of those affected by AF remain undiagnosed, highlighting why raising awareness is so important.

Symptoms can include dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, fainting, ankle swelling, and chest pain.

The disorder affects men and women and can occur at any age, but those at high risk include people over 65 years of age, the physically inactive and overweight, people who smoke, and people who have diabetes, high blood cholesterol or high blood pressure.

Those living with AF are at high risk of stroke, heart failure, and dementia – so discovering an irregular heartbeat could save your life.

One in three Australians are at risk of developing AF in their lifetime, and its prevalence is expected to double in the next decade.

For more information on Atrial Fibrillation, visit www.hearts4heart.org.au