ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Affecting up to 1.4million adults in England, atrial fibrillation (AF) sees the heart beat irregularly or very fast. It does not pump blood efficiently, leading to blood clots and strokes.
There may be no symptoms until patients have a stroke or their heart suddenly stops. AF sufferers are four to five times more likely to have a stroke. The condition can be treated by beta blockers which restore heart rhythm, or drugs to thin the blood. Some patients may be fitted with a pacemaker.
The campaign is encouraging GPs to identify ‘at risk’ patients, including those with asthma, diabetes, previous pneumonia, or other heart conditions.