September 19-25 is Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness about AF prevalence, educate about symptoms and risk factors and encourage anyone at risk of AF to speak with their doctor.
An estimated 500,000 Australians have Atrial Fibrillation (AF), the most common irregular heartbeat, and its prevalence is expected to double in the next decade.
Many people living with AF don’t experience symptoms, which means you could be living with the underlying heart condition and not know it.
Alarmingly, up to 30% of those affected by the disorder remain undiagnosed, which is why awareness is so important.
This year hearts4heart is launching its 8th Annual Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week (19 – 25 September).
Are you at risk?
AF affects men and women and can occur at any age.
The risk factors include:
- Physical inactivity.
- Being overweight.
- Disrupted sleep.
- Having diabetes.
- Smoking.
- High blood cholesterol.
- High blood pressure.
- Age over 65 years.
What can you do?
Recognising AF symptoms is key to early diagnosis, stroke prevention, effective management of the condition, and the best health outcomes.
Symptoms can include any of the following:
- Dizziness.
- Palpitations.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fainting.
- Ankle swelling.
- Chest pain.
If you’re experiencing any of the above, don’t put your heart health on hold. Speak to your GP and get your heart checked.
Discovering an irregular heartbeat could save your life.
To learn more, visit: hearts4heart.org.au
