This Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week, leading heart health charity Hearts4heart is launching PULSE, a new national awareness acronym, in response to latest research revealing significant gaps in people’s recognition of atrial fibrillation (AF) and understanding of its potentially serious consequences.
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 is estimated to affect more than half a million Australians and can increase the risk of stroke.
Four Key Signs of AF
New research commissioned by Hearts4heart revealed 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.
AF can cause blood to pool in the heart and form clots, which may travel to the brain and cause a stroke. One in four strokes are attributed to AF, and these are generally among the most debilitating cases. Awareness of that risk is also low, with less than half (41%) of Australians knowing an irregular heartbeat can increase their risk of stroke.
Tanya Hall, CEO and Founder of Hearts4heart, said the findings highlight an urgent need to make the signs of AF easier for people to recognise and remember. “It’s incredibly concerning that only two per cent of Australians over the age of 18 can correctly identify the four key signs of atrial fibrillation. 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.
Pause For Pulse
PULSE is a simple acronym to help people 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
The research also revealed 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.
Australians also lack confidence when it comes to checking their own heartbeat, with only around one in four (27%) saying they feel confident checking their pulse for an irregular heartbeat. Cardiologist and best-selling author, Dr Warrick Bishop, said 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.
“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.” Ms Hall said Hearts4heart hopes PULSE will give Australians a practical reminder they can continue to use beyond Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week (21-27 September). “We want Australians to remember PULSE as a simple way to spot the key signs of atrial fibrillation and understand why acting early matters. If something doesn’t feel right, speak to a GP or healthcare professional about your symptoms and heart health,” Ms Hall said.
To learn more about PULSE, atrial fibrillation and how to check your pulse, visit www.hearts4heart.org.au.
