An estimated half a million Australians have atrial fibrillation, the most common irregular heartbeat.3
Approximately half the Australian adult population, (10.1 million) unaware of atrial fibrillation (AF).1
1-in-3 Australians are at risk of developing atrial fibrillation in their lifetime.2
As many as 30% of those living with atrial fibrillation remain undiagnosed4 and are at high risk of stroke, heart failure and dementia.5
1 in 4 strokes are attributed to atrial fibrillation.6
Monday, 18 September 2023, Sydney, Australia
A comprehensive nationwide survey sponsored by leading health promotion charity hearts4heart has revealed alarming gaps in atrial fibrillation awareness among Australian adults, prompting urgent calls from clinicians, politicians, patients, and carers, for heightened education and awareness campaigns to tackle this critical issue head-on.
“Knowledge gaps like these are concerning and highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and education about atrial fibrillation and its symptoms,” said Tanya Hall, CEO, and Founder of hearts4heart, who is also living with the condition.
“Early detection and awareness play a pivotal role in managing this condition effectively and improving the quality of life for those affected.”
Latest findings from a national survey commissioned by hearts4heart revealed that approximately 10.1 million Australians, or half of the adult population, have limited knowledge on AF with only 16% (approx. 3.3 million) aware of the condition, but unfamiliar with the symptoms it entails, and 33% Australians (approx. 6.7 million) were completely unaware of the condition.1
The report provided a detailed look at respondents’ understanding of atrial fibrillation symptoms, revealing a stark reality. Only 7% of Australians, approximately 1.4 million individuals, could correctly identify all atrial fibrillation symptoms.
Heart palpitations (38%), shortness of breath (34%), dizziness/fainting (30%), and chest pain (30%) were the most identified symptoms.1 Fatigue (26%) and reduced ability to exercise (20%) were less frequently recognised as symptoms of the condition.5
This concerning trend underscores the importance of improved education and awareness efforts.
“The urgent need to bridge the knowledge gap and promote early detection is more critical than ever for the health and well-being of the Australian population,” said Maria Vamvakinou MP, Co-chair of Parliamentary Friends of Heart, and Stroke Foundations.
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition in which the top champers of your heartbeat fast and erratically. In atrial fibrillation, your heart may not pump blood around the body as well as it should.7 Affecting over 1 in 4 Australians over the age of 55,8 this highly prevalent and potentially serious heart condition can lead to life-threatening health complications such as stroke, heart failure and dementia when left untreated.
Associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of heart failure and a seven-fold higher risk in life-threatening stroke,9, 10 atrial fibrillation is the leading cause of cardiovascular hospitalisations,9 resulting in a direct annual healthcare cost of approximately $1.63 billion.11
“With early diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes, a person with atrial fibrillation can reduce their risk of hospitalisation and stroke and improve their quality of life, which is why awareness is so important,” said Dr Adrian Elliott, a leader in the field of cardiac arrhythmias and lecturer at the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders.
“If you’re over 65, or experiencing any symptoms, speak with your GP and get your heart checked,” Dr Elliott said.
Having recently recovered from a stroke caused by atrial fibrillation, Mr Les Botha agrees, and is keen to see more Australians speaking with their GPs about their heart health.
“Get it checked. If I had known about atrial fibrillation earlier, this stroke may have been prevented,” Mr Botha said.
Mr Peter Grady and Jim Micholos have also experienced life-threatening health complications after not recognising (or knowing) the signs as atrial fibrillation.
“Regardless of how many symptoms you experience and how mild it can be, go immediately to your GP and get a proper diagnosis.” said Peter, who had an atrial fibrillation related heart attack.
Jim seconds this sentiment, sharing that, “Even if you have an inkling that something is wrong with your heart, go speak to your doctor. There is nothing worse than not asking questions and the best place to start is your GP.”
This Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week, Hearts4Heart is urging Australians to learn to recognise atrial fibrillation symptoms and speak with their GP about getting their heart checked for an irregular heartbeat.
To access resources and information about atrial fibrillation, please visit www.hearts4heart.org.au
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