Danger that strikes us unawares

The research conducted for The Stroke Association by Ipsos MORI has revealed that thousands could be at risk of stroke in Yorkshire and Humber, due to low public awareness of atrial fibrillation (AF), which is a major risk factor of stroke.

AF is an irregular heartbeat and it is one of the most common heart rhythm disturbances encountered by doctors, accounting for 14 per cent of all strokes – as many as 1,960 in Yorkshire and Humber.

The survey revealed 66 per cent of the public nationally were unable to identify the symptoms of atrial fibrillation as a possible warning sign for stroke and 44 per cent of GPs questioned in Yorkshire and Humber cited lack of public awareness as a reason for problems in its diagnosis and treatment. However, 23 per cent of GPs surveyed in the region didn’t know themselves that stroke is the most common consequence of AF.

Over three quarters of GPs (86 per cent) surveyed in Yorkshire and Humber confirmed that problems exist with the diagnosis, treatment and management of atrial fibrillation, leaving many at risk. Over half (58 per cent) believed problems managing AF are due to the risks of using anticoagulants such as warfarin – only 40 per cent said they would treat patients with the drug.

Arthur France, is the chair and founder of the annual Leeds West Indian Carnival in August. He had a mini-stroke (TIA) in 2009, diagnosed as a result of an irregular heartbeat and diabetes.

Arthur says: “I never knew that an irregular heartbeat was a risk factor for stroke, until it caused a mini-stroke in 2009.

“My right upper lip felt heavy, however it was my wife who noticed a change in my face, which prompted us to go to A&E. I’m on medication for blood pressure, diabetes and aspirin, but I had another mini-stroke in July 2010.

“Too few people in the UK know what atrial fibrillation is and even fewer know that it is a risk factor for stroke. Everyone should have their pulse checked as a stroke can be prevented, even if you have AF. My doctors were very supportive, however more information should be given out about stroke prevention.”

The most common symptom of atrial fibrillation is a fast and irregular heartbeat, usually over 140 beats a minute.

However, other symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, light headedness, fainting or fatigue.

Julia MacLeod, head of operations for The Stroke Association in Yorkshire and The Humber, says: “Atrial fibrillation is thought to be directly linked to 12,500 strokes a year. The majority of people recognise stroke risk factors such as smoking or high blood pressure, but this research highlights that public awareness of AF as a risk factor is incredibly low, resulting in them not being diagnosed and leaving them at risk of stroke.

There is a great need to improve awareness of AF and increase the number of people being screened for the condition in order to reduce the number of AF related strokes in our region, and the UK.”

Dr Irfan Shakir, consultant stroke physician at Calderdale and Hudderfield Foundation Trust, says: “We could save around 4,500 people from having a devastating stroke every year if more people recognised the symptoms of atrial fibrillation and sought out the appropriate treatment from a medical professional.

“A healthy pulse when you are resting is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, however if you have AF your heart could be beating up to 140 times a minute. This may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and heart palpitations.

“You can check your own heart rate by feeling your pulse in your neck or wrist. If your pulse is considerably above the norm when you are at rest, you should seek advice from your GP.”

A stroke is a brain attack which occurs because of a clot or a bleed in the brain, causing brain cells to die. Each year, one person has a stroke every five minutes in the UK.

The Stroke Information Service is on 0303 30 33 100, or visit www.stroke.org.uk.