23 March 2011
Peter Aldous MP backs rhythm of life campaign aiming to raise awareness of AF, one of the biggest causes of stroke in the UK.
It is estimated that up to 53 strokes could be avoided each year in Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT if those suffering from Atrial Fibrillation (AF) were properly identified and treated according to current guidelines1. It is believed that as many as 1,360 in Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT are at an increased risk of having a stroke because their condition is not being properly cared for2.
Peter Aldous MP is backing The Rhythm of Life Campaign to raise awareness of Atrial Fibrillation and campaign for better treatment for patients. This important campaign aims to ensure that nobody is left to suffer the consequences of undiagnosed AF.
If these people were properly diagnosed and treated, not only would it save untold unnecessary physical and mental suffering for them and their loved ones, but it would also have a profound effect on our local economy.
The 5 year cost per stroke patient for direct NHS care is £19,5003. This means that Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT could save over £1,000,000 over 5 years4.
If you include the additional indirect / informal cost savings, the total 5 year per patient cost of a stroke rises to over £37,000.
If left unaddressed, the problem is only going to get worse as the population ages - 7.5 million people are predicted to develop AF in the future5. This is because a 40 year-old has a 25% chance of developing AF during their lifetime6 (about half of the UK population is 40 or older7). The prevalence of AF is anticipated to at least double by 20508. This is an issue that needs to be addressed now.
AF is the most common and serious cause of stroke in the UK, yet huge swathes of the population remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated. An AF patient is 5 times more likely to have a stroke9, and one in five of all strokes are attributed to this condition. Worryingly, strokes induced by AF are often fatal, and those patients who do survive are left with more severe disabilities and are more likely to suffer a recurrence than patients with other causes of stroke10.
AF is quick and easy to diagnose, but often has no obvious symptoms. In a patient with AF there is no pattern in the heart beat and the strength of it will vary from beat to beat. The best way to test for AF is to ask your GP for a manual pulse check on your next visit.
Mr Aldous said:
“I support this worthwhile campaign to try and reduce the number of people suffering from stroke in Waveney. Strokes have a devastating impact on peoples lives, both those who experience them and their relatives. We should be doing all we can to ensure the right guidance is followed to reduce the number of stroke victims.”
It is estimated that up to 53 strokes could be avoided each year in Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT if those suffering from Atrial Fibrillation (AF) were properly identified and treated according to current guidelines1. It is believed that as many as 1,360 in Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT are at an increased risk of having a stroke because their condition is not being properly cared for2.
Peter Aldous MP is backing The Rhythm of Life Campaign to raise awareness of Atrial Fibrillation and campaign for better treatment for patients. This important campaign aims to ensure that nobody is left to suffer the consequences of undiagnosed AF.
If these people were properly diagnosed and treated, not only would it save untold unnecessary physical and mental suffering for them and their loved ones, but it would also have a profound effect on our local economy.
The 5 year cost per stroke patient for direct NHS care is £19,5003. This means that Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT could save over £1,000,000 over 5 years4.
If you include the additional indirect / informal cost savings, the total 5 year per patient cost of a stroke rises to over £37,000.
If left unaddressed, the problem is only going to get worse as the population ages - 7.5 million people are predicted to develop AF in the future5. This is because a 40 year-old has a 25% chance of developing AF during their lifetime6 (about half of the UK population is 40 or older7). The prevalence of AF is anticipated to at least double by 20508. This is an issue that needs to be addressed now.
AF is the most common and serious cause of stroke in the UK, yet huge swathes of the population remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated. An AF patient is 5 times more likely to have a stroke9, and one in five of all strokes are attributed to this condition. Worryingly, strokes induced by AF are often fatal, and those patients who do survive are left with more severe disabilities and are more likely to suffer a recurrence than patients with other causes of stroke10.
AF is quick and easy to diagnose, but often has no obvious symptoms. In a patient with AF there is no pattern in the heart beat and the strength of it will vary from beat to beat. The best way to test for AF is to ask your GP for a manual pulse check on your next visit.
Mr Aldous said:
“I support this worthwhile campaign to try and reduce the number of people suffering from stroke in Waveney. Strokes have a devastating impact on peoples lives, both those who experience them and their relatives. We should be doing all we can to ensure the right guidance is followed to reduce the number of stroke victims.”
