Atrial Fibrillation in Australia
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat and is the world’s most common heart rhythm disorder. It increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, Australia’s leading cause of death.
Those with AF are up to seven times more likely than the general population to have a stroke and up to three times more likely to experience heart failure.
It is estimated, that around 240,000 Australians are living with AF. While it does affect Australians of all ages, it is particularly common in older people with approximately one in 10 of those over the age of 75 living with the condition.
As AF is one of the most challenging cardiovascular diseases to diagnose, the true figure is likely to be much higher. Some AF patients do not experience symptoms and the condition is only discovered after a routine medical examination. However, for those that do, the most common symptoms are heart palpitations, tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness and chest pains.
Treatments for AF aim to reduce the risk of severe complications such as stroke, heart failure and other events requiring hospitalisation, and to reduce the risk of death. Treatment also helps to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
The Atrial Fibrillation Association Australia (AFA-AU) is part of an international charity which provides information, support and access to established, new or innovative treatments for AF.
The AFA-AU aims to advance the education of the medical profession and the general public about AF, and promote research into the management of AF.
For more information about AFA-AU log-on to www.atrialfibrillation-au.org or call 1800 050 267.
