A normal heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats a minute when a person
is resting, with a regular rhythm.
Some people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms and are completely
unaware that their heart rate is irregular.
If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can significantly increase the risk of
a blood clot forming inside the heart, which increases the risk of stroke
five-fold.
The BHF said atrial fibrillation is responsible for 22,500 strokes a year in
the UK.
Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the charity, said: “The real danger
with atrial fibrillation is that some people don’t realise they have it. You
can be going about your daily routine oblivious to the fact you’re five
times more likely to have a devastating stroke.
“Checking that your pulse is regular is a simple way of seeing if you’re
at risk. But only through research can we tackle this dangerous disorder and
prevent its devastating consequences.â€
Source: ITN/PA