Rates of a heart condition that predominately affects older people is on the rise in Australia, and experts are calling for greater awareness.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a serious, but relatively unknown, heart condition characterised by irregular and often very rapid heart rhythms.
This can lead to blood clots in the heart, which can cause a stroke or heart failure. Around one in four strokes are suspected to have been triggered by AF.
The condition affects around 5 per cent of adults aged 55 and over, and heart health charity hearts4heart is urging all older Australians to get their heart checked in Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week (19–25 September).
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Currently, around half a million Australians are living with the condition, and hearts4heart says that number is expected to double over the next 10 years.
Adding to the impetus to get checked, a report published in the journal Nature found people who had contracted COVID-19 were 1.2 times (20 per cent) more likely to develop AF than those who had not.
The effect was consistent even among patients who had only a mild case of COVID and did not need to go to hospital.
Cardiologist Professor John Amerena says it’s imperative older Australians get their hearts checked regularly.
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“Australians need to be heart smart now more than ever and have their finger on the pulse,” he says.
“Don’t put your heart health on hold. Learn to recognise atrial fibrillation symptoms, test for an irregular heartbeat and speak with your GP about getting your heart checked. It may save your life.”
Health professionals say you should note sensations of a fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, a reduced ability to exercise, shortness of breath and any notable physical weakness.
However, many AF sufferers will experience no symptoms at all, making the need for regular checkups even more pressing. It’s no surprise then that around 30 per cent of AF cases remain undiagnosed, effectively turning these people into ticking timebombs.
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“Not everyone experiences symptoms, and the most common ones are often dismissed, either as other health issues or just signs of getting older. But they shouldn’t be ignored,” says hearts4heart founder and CEO Tanya Hall.
There are different treatments for AF based on severity. Mild to moderate cases can be treated with blood thinning medications and lifestyle changes.
More severe or prolonged cases may need to undergo cardioversion, a procedure in which a small electrical shock is delivered to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.
“If you’ve experienced a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, dizziness, unexplained tiredness, shortness of breath, fainting, swelling of the ankles or chest pain, speak with your GP about getting your heart checked,” Ms Hall says.
Have you experienced any of these symptoms? When was the last time you had your heart checked? Share your experience in the comments section below.
