Just a few minutes could save you from a stroke

27 July 2016

Just a few minutes could save you from a stroke

Just a few minutes out of your day for a pulse check could save you from a stroke – that’s why Capital & Coast DHB is inviting people to come in and get their pulse checked at Wellington Regional Hospital tomorrow (28 July).

“An irregular pulse is the hallmark of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) – an irregular heart rhythm that causes poor blood flow, is linked to coronary heart disease, and increases the risk of stroke fivefold,” said cardiologist Dr Matthew Webber.

AF affects one to two percent of New Zealanders. Symptoms include heart palpitations, tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness or feeling faint.

“Some people experience only mild symptoms, or have no symptoms at all. AF can be a significant hazard, but is relatively easy to detect through a simple pulse check in the first instance.

“From 10am to 4pm on 28 July I – along with medical staff and the New Zealand Heart Foundation – will give free pulse checks from a stand in the atrium of Wellington Regional Hospital. Anyone who has an irregular pulse will then receive an ECG and a referral to their GP.

“Getting your pulse checked takes only a few minutes out of your day – a few minutes that may prevent a stroke later down the track. We encourage people to come into the hospital to see us.”

The Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society is running an AF awareness campaign in July, which coincides with the New Zealand Heart Foundation’s Cardiovascular Disease Awareness campaign.

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