A silent killer is stalking many families across Australia, taking victims with little notice while driving a black-hole in the country’s health budget. But a simple pulse check may be enough to detect this harmful and costly condition.
Every year, as many as three million people across the world will have a stroke attributable to abnormal heartbeats called atrial fibrillation. This is equivalent to one person every ten seconds.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common abnormal heartbeat that affects almost 400,000 Australians, and it can produce potentially lethal clots that are responsible for one in six strokes.
Stroke is usually rapid in onset and devastating for individuals and their families. It often leaves the sufferer with physical disability and impairment. In Australia, it’s the second biggest cause of death after heart disease.
The National Stroke Foundation estimates that approximately 53,000 people are affected by stroke each year, at the cost of A$1.3bn. But beyond the financial impact is the direct effect on the workforce and communities, hard-hit with the loss of productivity and loved ones.
But many strokes can be prevented if symptoms are recognised and help for getting the appropriate treatment is sought.
Read the full article at The Conversation.
