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HUTT HOSPITAL

Published Monday 18 Jul 2016

Is your heartbeat regular? Finding out in time could help prevent a stroke.

Cardiology staff will be on hand in Hutt Hospital entrance foyer on Tuesday 26 July from 10am till 4pm to offer free pulse checks to the public and information about Atrial Fibrillation (AF) . Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, affects 1-2% of New Zealanders and carries a five-fold increased risk of stroke. It is the most common heart rhythm disturbance and if left untreated can be fatal.

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Visitors and staff at Hutt Hospital will have an opportunity to learn about Atrial Fibrillation (AF) later this month when cardiology staff host an AF awareness campaign.

Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, affects 1-2% of New Zealanders and carries a five-fold increased risk of stroke. It is the most common heart rhythm disturbance and if left untreated can be fatal.

Staff will be on hand at a stand in the main entrance foyer of Hutt Hospital on Tuesday 26 July from 10am till 4pm to offer free pulse checks to the public and supply information to raise awareness of the condition.

Jennie Dean, Clinical Nurse Manager, CCU and Cardiology, says many people who have AF don’t realise it until they have a stroke. A quick screening by a health professional could mean the difference between life and death. “It can be treated and managed.”

This campaign is the initiative of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society and is supported by the Cardiac Society of New Zealand, and the New Zealand Heart Foundation. Wellington Hospital will be running a campaign day on Thursday 28 July led by Dr Matt Webber.

It is taking place alongside the Heart Foundation Heart Attack Awareness Campaign where Wellington region Cardiologists will be onsite at the Warehouse in Petone on Saturday 23 July, and Wainuiomata on Saturday 30 July to help the public with blood pressure checks and give pulse checks.

You can find more information here https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/know-the-facts/conditions/atrial-fibrillation