Stroke warning sign not always heeded

28th October 2011 - Around two thirds of people aged 65 or over are unable to recognise atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heartbeat, as a warning sign of stroke, according to a survey published by The Stroke Association.

Approximately 750,000 people in the UK are affected by atrial fibrillation (AF). It is one of the most common heart rhythm disturbances and can easily be diagnosed through a pulse check.  The risk of developing the condition increases significantly in older people, yet in the survey, only one-third (33%) of people over 65 recognised that AF could lead to a stroke.

AF symptoms

The most common symptom of AF is a fast and irregular heartbeat, usually over 140 beats a minute.  Other symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, light headedness, fainting or fatigue.

Steve Benveniste, Campaigns Officer at The Stroke Association says in a press statement:  "Atrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke by up to five times and around 12,500 strokes a year are thought to be directly linked to the condition.

"It’s worrying that such a significant proportion of people over the age of 65 are unaware of the link between AF and stroke, especially because they are more likely than any other age group to develop the heart condition.  If you have experienced any of the symptoms or are at all worried about your risk, it is vital that you speak to your GP and arrange to get your pulse checked."

ITV Daybreak’s Dr Hilary Jones says in a media release: "We know that atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for stroke.  The condition causes your heart to beat irregularly and less efficiently meaning that blood clots are more likely to form, which could cause a stroke if they travel to the brain.  However, AF can be quickly and easily diagnosed and treatment options are available to reduce your risk of stroke."

Treatment

The main treatment for AF  is blood thinning medication. Some of these are called anti-coagulants, such as warfarin. These medications make your blood less likely to clot.

Other blood thinning medications belong to a group called anti-platelet agents, for example aspirin and clopidogrel. They are used to reduce your risk of stroke if your risk is low, but they aren’t as effective if you have AF.