Latics at heart of the matter

OLDHAM Athletic will have their finger on the pulse tomorrow as the football club supports a health campaign.

The Stroke Association will be taking over Boundary Park during Latics’ League One encounter with Bury (3pm kick-off) to help ensure fans are aware of potential stroke risks.

Representatives will be distributing information about preventing a stroke and doing pulse checks as part of the charity’s Ask First to prevent a stroke later campaign, which aims to increase awareness of the link between atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke, and encourages members of the public to ask their GP about their risk of developing AF.

Discomfort
Around 750,000 Brits are affected by AF — one of the most common heart rhythm disturbances — which can be easily diagnosed through a pulse check. The risk of developing the condition increases significantly in older people.

The most common symptom of AF is a fast and irregular heartbeat, usually over 140 beats a minute. However, other symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, light headedness, fainting or fatigue.

Angela Walkden, head of operations for The Stroke Association in the North-West, said: “Atrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke by up to five times. Many people over the age of 65 are unaware of the link between AF and stroke, which is worrying because they are more likely than any other age group to develop the heart condition.”

TV doctor, Dr Hilary Jones, said: “We know that atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for stroke. The condition causes your heart to beat irregularly and less efficiently meaning that blood clots are more likely to form which could cause a stroke if they travel to the brain.

“However, AF can be quickly and easily diagnosed and treatment options are available to reduce your risk of stroke. It is therefore very important for anyone concerned about their heartbeat to visit their GP for a pulse check.”

To find out more about atrial fibrillation and the Ask First campaign visit www.stroke.org.uk/askfirst.