There are 1.2 million AF patients diagnosed in the UK, and at least 200,000 new patients are being diagnosed annually. AF consumes 1% of the total NHS annual budget, and we all have a 1 in 4 life time chance of developing this condition.
Atrial
Fibrillation (AF) is a rhythm disturbance of the heart (arrhythmia);
it is due to a rapid and irregular beating of the upper chambers which
results in an irregular pulse.
AF can cause symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, light headedness, fainting or fatigue. It can also have no symptoms so that the patient is unaware of the problem. Even in this situation AF needs to be assessed by a doctor. Treatment is designed to reduce the risk of strokes and minimize the symptoms. AF should be detected and treated to avoid complications.
The easiest way to detect AF is to, FEEL THE PULSE!
AFA is a UK registered charity which works internationally to provide information, support and access to established, new or innovative treatments for Atrial Fibrillation. It offers free, medically approved, Department of Health endorsed publications to all AF patients and carers. These can be downloaded from the AFA website (www.atrialfibrillation.org.uk) or ordered free of charge from AFA.Funds are desperately needed to support the publication of further information booklets and support the the 24/7 Help Line - a vital service which provides informative, friendly support to all callers. AFA totally relies on fund raising donations to operate. Please help us to continue offering 24/7 support.
Thank you.
