29.10.12
One in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime
People with an irregular heart beat could have a significantly increased risk of stroke, new research shows. On World Stroke Day, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) reports that atrial fibrillation (AF) increase stroke risk by five times.
Although the prevalence of AF continues to rise, it can be successfully controlled by rhythm control treatments and use of antithrombotic therapies, which means it is a modifiable risk factor for stroke.
The theme for this year’s World Stroke Day is ‘One in six’, to reflect the statistics that one in six people will suffer a stroke at some point in their lifetime, and that stroke is the cause of death every six seconds.
Around 85% of these deaths will have risk factors which, if identified, are preventable. The ESC highlights “substantial” opportunities to reduce the risk of stroke, including lifestyle interventions such as exercise, and reducing alcohol intake and smoking, as well as knowing your risk factors.
Professor Freek Verheugt, from the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis in Amsterdam and speaking on behalf of the ESC, said: “All individuals with irregular heart beat should see a doctor, who can diagnose whether this heart rhythm disorder is likely to lead to stroke. If so, blood thinning medication can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 70%.”
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