More than one in three aged 50+ with an irregular heartbeat experience 4+ symptoms before visiting doctor
Experts championing greater heart health awareness, education and action
You may brush it off as stress, tiredness, or just getting older – some breathlessness, chest tightness, or dizziness now and then. But for more than half a million Australians, these are symptoms of something far more sinister.
An irregular heartbeat, known medically as ‘Atrial fibrillation’ or AF is the most common, sustained heart rhythm disorder, yet it often flies under the radar. New research reveals more than one in three Australians aged 50 and above living with AF wait until they’ve experienced four or more symptoms before visiting a doctor.
That delay can prove dangerous given AF causes the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) to beat erratically and out of sync with the lower chambers, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and dementia. And while some people experience symptoms such as chest discomfort, fatigue or shortness of breath, up to 40% of those living with AF may feel nothing at all.
Commissioned by BostonScientific, the research reinforces the need to improve community awareness and understanding of AF and its signs. Catching AF early can make a real difference – not just in managing symptoms, but preventing long-term damage. It’s a reminder that when something feels off with your heart, it’s worth getting checked – even if it seems minor at the time.
Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at Queensland Cardiovascular Group, Dr Tomos Walters, Brisbane, explains AF is often underestimated because around 30 to 40% of those affected don’t show obvious symptoms. This can make it much harder to diagnose and treat the condition early.
“It’s a significant condition which is associated with increased risk of stroke, developing heart failure, premature mortality, dementia, significant reduction in quality of life, and psychological distress.
“The symptoms of AF include palpitations, chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, fatigue.
These can be really quite severe,” said Prof Walters.
“But there are also patients who are completely unaware of their AF. They just don’t feel it. And in those patients, it is really important that we can detect it.”
Importantly, the evolution of smart watches and other smart devices enable individuals to record their own ECG, either when they’re experiencing symptoms, or at other times. These devices are a game-changer with regard to the diagnosis of AF.
“AF is common. It’s significant. It has major adverse consequences, both to the individual and the community. We have to detect it, and we have to treat it effectively,” Prof Walters said.
“So be aware of how you’re feeling. See your doctor, and don’t be afraid of new technology.”
Watch this short video of Prof Walters explaining why AF is a growing concern, how to detect the condition early, and what can be done to manage it effectively.
The new research released today also sheds light on just how much AF can affect day-to-day life. One in three Australians living with AF report a moderate to severe decline in their quality of life, including their ability to perform everyday tasks.
Perhaps even more concerning is that only 31% feel motivated to take a more proactive approach to their heart health, even after learning about their increased risk of stroke.
It’s a clear sign that more needs to be done to raise awareness and educate the community about the seriousness of AF, and the steps people can take to better manage the condition.
Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at Holmesglen Private Hospital and Cabrini Hospital, Dr Emily Kotschet, Melbourne, explains AF has many causes – from genetics to lifestyle factors – and further reinforces the importance of early detection and tailored treatment to prevent serious complications.
“Atrial fibrillation has many causes. In some people it’s genetic, so it starts early in life.
In other patients, it’s associated with other conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, heart failure, alcohol use, being overweight.
“There’s numerous causes for this. Many of them are treatable, so that we can prevent recurrent episodes of AF, and in particular, prevent progressive AF over time,” said Dr Kotschet.
“Therapies that we can offer start with simple things like regular exercise, stress management, avoiding alcohol, losing weight.
“Other options are medical therapy or tablets, or even catheter ablation or other procedures to reduce the burden of AF,’ Dr Kotschet said.
“AF’s very common and associated with other chronic diseases like heart failure, risk of stroke, and even a risk of dementia. If we can treat this early, we’re going to prevent all these serious complications.
“If you think you have AF or symptoms of AF, see your local doctor, as early detection is key,” said Dr Kotschet.
Watch this short video featuring Dr Kotschet explaining the causes of AF and why early treatment matters.
Although many Australians proactively monitor their heart health – with 58% checking their blood pressure, 41% undergoing ECGs, and 34% having their heart sounds checked – one in three still feel uncertain about recognising heart-related symptoms and knowing when to seek medical advice. These statistic highlight a gap in confidence and awareness that must be addressed.
CEO and Founder of national heart disease advocacy group Hearts4Heart, Ms Tanya Hall, Perth, founded the organisation following her own experience with AF. She strives to raise community awareness of the condition, and to ensure those affected are informed about available treatment options.
“Atrial fibrillation significantly impacted my quality of life. At times I wasn’t even able to walk to the end of my driveway. Other times I felt anxious and depressed.
“Hence why treatment was so important, to improve not only my clinical outcomes, but my quality of life, so I was able to go out and socialise, and live normally again,” Ms Hall said.
“Through my experience of living with atrial fibrillation, I’m so passionate about raising awareness, so that people are diagnosed early, and can have access to treatment early, so that they too, can live a fulfilled life.”
Ms Hall has an important message for Australians who may be at risk of, or experiencing symptoms
of AF.
“If anybody is at risk of developing atrial fibrillation, have a family history of atrial fibrillation, or experiencing any symptoms, such as chest pain, fatigue, palpitations, swollen ankles, then please go and see your GP for a heart check.”
Listen to Ms Hall sharing her personal journey with AF and explaining why she’s now on a mission to raise community awareness of the condition.
The underestimation of disease prevalence, combined with low community awareness, and patients showing no obvious AF symptoms is creating the perfect storm for one of the largest, and most pressing public health epidemics.
That’s why raising awareness, encouraging heart health checks, and recognising the early signs of AF are so important. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are key to managing AF effectively, in order to reduce the risk of serious, potentially life-threatening complications.
To learn more about the symptoms, management, and treatment of AF, head to: www.beatafib.com.au.
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