Share and Follow
Researchers are racing against time to demonstrate that this condition can be identified before it’s too late.
In Australia, atrial fibrillation (AF) claims six lives daily, often presenting symptoms that are difficult to pinpoint, such as shortness of breath and an unusually fast heartbeat.
AF ranks among the most prevalent heart issues in the nation, with its occurrence among Australians aged 55 and above expected to double over the next two decades.
According to Professor Ben Freedman OAM, speaking to nine.com.au, “Once you hit 40, there’s a one in three lifetime risk of developing AF.”
Currently, over half a million Australians are diagnosed with AF, yet countless others may remain unaware of their condition until it manifests as a stroke.
“These strokes tend to be at the worst end of the spectrum, devastating strokes that incapacitate and cause people to need chronic care,” Freedman said.
“These are really the worst sort of strokes that you want to do without [and] I think we will prevent them.”
Despite the concerning statistics, there’s currently no national screening program for AF.
Freedman, alongside researchers from the Heart Research Institute (HRI) and the University of Sydney, is trying to change that.
They’re running the world’s largest clinical trial investigating whether systematic screening for AF can prevent stroke and so far things look promising.
More than 600 Australians aged over 70 across NSW, WA and Tasmania have already taken part in the trial.
Participants used a handheld ECG device at home to check their heart rhythm four times a day for three weeks.
A number of previously undiagnosed cases of AF have been identified; cases that likely would have remained undetected until a stroke hit, if not for trial screening.
But the government isn’t ready take the trial screening program national yet.
“The government says ‘if you can show us you’ve got fewer strokes, and that it’s cost effective, we’ll fund it,’” Freedman explained.
“It’s not enough to be a good idea that looks as though it’ll work, you have to prove it.”
Researchers at HRI and the University of Sydney intend to do just that.
Freedman hopes to save older Aussies from debilitating strokes and save their families the emotional and financial cost of supporting that individual after a debilitating stroke.
Reducing the number of strokes caused by AF could also ease pressure on nursing homes and aged care facilities, where many stroke patients end up.
The trial will run for another three years, after which Freedman hopes the government will back a national screening program like the existing breast cancer and bowel cancer screenings.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.