Trudie Lobban MBE
Founder and Trustee, Arrhythmia Alliance
Currently, up to 30% of individuals who have atrial fibrillation (AF) are undiagnosed and are at risk of complications, such as an AF-related stroke. So, it is important to know your pulse to know your heart rhythm.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation, or AF, is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rhythm. It is the most common heart rhythm disturbance encountered by doctors, affecting around 1.4 million people in the UK. It can affect adults of any age but is more common as people get older; in the over-65-year-old age group, it affects about 10% of people.
AF causes irregular, rapid heartbeats
A normal heart rhythm should be regular and between 60 and 100 beats a minute when you are resting. In people with AF, it can be considerably higher than 100 beats a minute. This can cause problems including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness. You may be aware of noticeable heart palpitations, where your heart feels like it’s pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly — often for a few seconds or, in some cases, a few minutes.
AF is not a life-threatening heart rhythm problem, but it can be troublesome and often requires treatment. AF is more likely to occur in people with other conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), atherosclerosis or a heart valve problem.
AF increases stroke risk significantly
People with atrial fibrillation have a five times greater risk of having a stroke. In some cases, atrial fibrillation can also lead to heart failure. So, it is very important to know the signs, detect AF, protect against AF-related stroke and correct the irregular heart rhythm.
A normal heart rhythm should be regular and between 60 and 100 beats a minute when you are resting.
Know your pulse
Typical symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness and fainting. However, this does not apply to everyone. Some people experience no symptoms at all and are considered ‘asymptomatic.’ Therefore, it is important to ‘Know Your Pulse to Know Your Heart Rhythm’ — it could save your life. Detecting an irregular pulse is often the only symptom of AF.
Reducing stroke risk and managing symptoms
It is important to reduce the risk of an AF-related stroke with anticoagulation therapy. Treatment for AF aims to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. If that’s not possible, the goal shifts to slowing the irregular heart rate to relieve symptoms.
Global AF Aware Week
The AF Association hosts Global AF Aware Week (GAFAW) each year. GAFAW on 18–24 November 2024 aims to raise awareness of AF across the globe so that people can be detected, protected and treated earlier and live healthier and happier lives.
Raising awareness of AF is vital for the public to understand the associated dangers, its link to stroke and the importance of a regular pulse rhythm check. Currently, up to 30% of individuals who have AF are undiagnosed and at risk of complications, such as AF-related stroke.
To learn more and get involved, visit www.knowyourpulse.org
