Heart health charity Hearts4heart has launched a new national awareness acronym — PULSE — in response to new research that shows a significant gap in atrial fibrillation (AF) knowledge and understanding.
The acronym was launched to coincide with Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week (21–27 September).
What is AF?
Experts explain that AF is a heart rhythm condition in which the heart beats abnormally and does not pump blood as regularly or efficiently as it should.
It’s estimated to affect more than half a million Australians and can increase the risk of stroke.
New research commissioned by Hearts4heart reveals that just 2% of Australian adults can correctly identify all four key AF signs:
- a pounding or racing heartbeat,
- unusual tiredness,
- light-headedness or dizziness, and
- skipped or fluttering beats.
Recognising symptoms doesn’t always mean acting on them
Tanya Hall, CEO and Founder of Hearts4heart, says the research highlights an urgent need to make the signs of AF easier for Australians to recognise and remember.
“It’s incredibly concerning that only 2% of Australians over the age of 18 can correctly identify the four key signs of atrial fibrillation,” she says.
“People may recognise a racing heart as something to pay attention to, but AF can present in less obvious ways too.
“Symptoms such as unusual tiredness or feeling light-headed can be easy to dismiss as a busy lifestyle.
“That’s why we’re launching PULSE with Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week.
“It gives Australians a simple way to remember the signs, become more familiar with their own pulse and recognise when something may need further attention.”
The research also reveals that recognising a symptom may not necessarily translate into action.
While 65% of Australians recognise a pounding or racing heartbeat as a possible sign of AF, only 21% say they would see a GP or healthcare professional as soon as possible if their heart suddenly began racing or pounding for no obvious reason.
More than one in three (36%) would instead wait to see whether the symptom recurred or resolved before seeking medical advice.
Get familiar with your own pulse
PULSE is a simple acronym to help Australians recognise the key signs of AF and understand why they matter:
P – Pounding or racing heartbeat
U – Unusual tiredness
L – Light-headed or dizzy spells
S – Skipped or fluttering beats
E – Elevated stroke risk if untreated
Cardiologist and best-selling author Dr Warrick Bishop says improving awareness of AF symptoms and encouraging Australians to become more familiar with their pulse could help people recognise when something may require medical attention.
“Atrial fibrillation can affect people in different ways. Some may experience an obvious racing or pounding heartbeat, while others may notice more subtle symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness or fluttering beats. Some people may experience no symptoms at all,” he says.
“Early detection is important because AF can increase the risk of serious complications, including stroke.
“Becoming familiar with your pulse and knowing the signs to look out for can help you recognise when something has changed and prompt a conversation with your healthcare professional.”
Use PULSE to remember the signs longterm
Ms Hall says Hearts4heart hopes PULSE will give Australians a practical reminder they can continue to use beyond Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week.
“We want Australians to remember PULSE as a simple way to spot the key signs of atrial fibrillation and understand why acting early matters,” she says.
“If something doesn’t feel right, speak to a GP or healthcare professional about your symptoms and heart health.”
