AFFECTING more than one in four Aussies aged 55 and older, atrial fibrillation (AF) causes strokes, and can lead to other life-threatening health complications when left untreated, including heart failure and dementia.
This is why the awareness week for the condition, starting today, is so important, advocacy groups have shared.
Maria Vamvakinou, co-chair of Parliamentary Friends of Heart, and Stroke Foundations said, "the urgent need to bridge the knowledge gap and promote early detection is more critical than ever for the health and wellbeing of the Australian population".
Associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of heart failure and a seven-fold higher risk in life-threatening stroke, AF is the leading cause of cardiovascular hospitalisations, resulting in a direct annual healthcare cost of approximately $1.63 billion.
"With early diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes, a person with AF can reduce their risk of hospitalisation and stroke and improve their quality of life, which is why awareness is so important," said Dr Adrian Elliott, health expert in cardiac arrhythmias, and lecturer at the University of Adelaide's Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders.
Elliot suggested that pharmacists should advise "customers over 65, or those experiencing any symptoms to speak with their GP and get their heart checked".
Hearts4Heart CEO and founder Tanya Hall said, as one in three were unaware of the condition, and 30% are living with the condition untreated, she is urging Australians to learn to recognise AF symptoms.
"If you've experienced a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, dizziness, unexplained tiredness, shortness of breath, fainting, swelling of the ankles or chest pain, have a check up, it may save your life." JG
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