Only half the UK population knows that an irregular heart rhythm can lead to stroke

In the lead up to National Heart Month, marked annually during the month of February in the UK, a study conducted by Bristol Myers Squibb has identified that almost 1 in 5 people who have a personal or familial risk of heart disease do not know how to check their pulse, the simplest way to detect atrial fibrillation (AF).

AF is the most common irregular heart rhythm disorder or arrhythmia. It is prevalent in ~3% of the UK’s population, increases the risk of stroke by five times[iv] and is associated with heart failure. Early detection and management is likely to improve outcomes for patients,5 but detection is challenging because some people with AF may experience minimal or no symptoms at all. As a result, as many as 300,000 people are living with undiagnosed AF in the UK.

In November 2021, more than two thousand volunteers in the UK aged 16 to 75 took part in the study to examine the general public’s awareness and understanding of AF and arrhythmia. Only half (53%) of respondents confirmed that they are aware irregular heart rythm can lead to stroke;1 in the UK, stroke occurs every five minutes and is the fourth leading cause of death.[vii] The data also shows that of those with a personal or family history of a heart condition, only 13% actively make appointments to attend heart health screenings to detect any heart abnormalities at an early stage.1 Further results revealed that 30% of people with a personal or with a family history of a previous heart condition do not recognise symptoms of arrhythmia,1 and an additional 35% do not feel that they know enough about arrhythmia to help actively reduce their risk of developing the condition.1

“Atrial fibrillation is common especially in the older population who are often living with other heart conditions such as heart failure and high blood pressure,” said Trudie Lobban, MBE, Founder & Trustee of Arrhythmia Alliance. “Most commonly, AF is diagnosed during a doctors appointment, however, in March 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a 30% drop in attendance to the GP surgery was observed in England.[viii] If we can counter the number of potentially missed diagnoses during the pandemic by equipping the general public with the correct knowledge to monitor their heart health and importantly their heart rhythm, we can help prevent serious cardiovascular complications arise, such as AF-related stroke.”

The study showed that a higher proportion of men (13%) have a personal history of a heart condition, vs. women (9%).1 The most common symptom of AF is heart palpitations, the feeling of heart pounding, fluttering or an irregular heart rhythm. Other symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, feeling faint or lightheaded, or chest pain.[ix]

“For more than 60 years, we have been committed to addressing the needs of patients with serious cardiovascular conditions, including those with atrial fibrillation,” said Belinda Sandler, Associate Director, Medical Lead, BMS Cardiovascular UK & Ireland. “We urge people with a personal or family history of a heart condition to regularly check their pulse or, if unsure how, to speak to their GP. If more people actively check their pulse, this can aid early diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition to prevent stroke.”