Public HealthYouGov Survey Reveals Low Awareness Of Potentially Fatal Heart Condition That Affects Significant Number Of People In UK
As many as 700,000 people in the UK suffer from a heart abnormality
called arrhythmia, a potentially fatal condition, which the majority of
Londoners have never heard of - according to a recent survey conducted by
YouGov[1]. Many of the deaths associated with arrhythmias could be prevented
due to advances in the identification and treatment of high risk patients.
The survey highlights that 75% of the public are also unaware that arrhythmia
can greatly increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.[2]
The YouGov survey showed that many people are more concerned about cancer
and mental health compared with heart disease, even though this can also be
fatal if not diagnosed and treated in time.[1] More than half (55%) of those
surveyed have never had a simple ECG examination and so remain unaware of the
general health of their hearts.[1]
Arrhythmia is an umbrella term for a range of heart conditions where the
heart beats abnormally.[3] The effects of arrhythmias vary in severity from
person to person, but typically include palpitations that can have a major
impact on quality of life.[3] Although a fairly common heart complaint, the
symptoms of arrhythmia are often transient, making diagnosis difficult,
despite it being one of the top ten causes of hospital attendance in the
UK.[4] In some cases there is no known cause of an arrhythmia however
drinking, smoking, high blood pressure and stress are all believed to play a
role, whilst for some people, a genetic factor is involved.[5]
Three private London hospitals have formed the London Arrhythmia
Network[6] to promote public awareness of arrhythmias and reinforce the
importance of monitoring heart health. London Bridge Hospital, The Harley
Street Clinic and The Wellington Hospital are home to leading consultant
cardiologists who specialise in diagnosing and treating arrhythmias using the
very latest surgical technology.[3,4,7]
Traditionally, arrhythmias were treated with medication which did not
cure the condition and for many patients resulted in unpleasant side-effects
such as tiredness and lethargy and can be potentially dangerous if used
inexpertly. However, recent developments in surgical techniques have now led
to a minor keyhole surgical procedure that can provide a cure in some groups
of patients that fail to respond to other treatments.
Treatments for arrhythmias depend on the type and severity but catheter
ablation is considered a first line treatment for some types of arrhythmia
and can be a trouble-free cure for patients who have not responded to
alternative therapy. Other treatments include pacemakers, implantable
cardioverter defibrillators or cardioversion and cardiac resynchronisation
therapy, which all help in restoring the normal rhythm of the heart and can
greatly increase patients" chances of long term survival.[2,3,7]
"This survey demonstrates that awareness of arrhythmia is worryingly low,
despite the potential for serious harm that is associated with the condition.
It is important to keep the heart healthy through lifestyle choices and look
out for any warning signs such as changes in heart rhythm, shortness of
breath or chest pains. If anyone experiences these symptoms, they should seek
the advice of their healthcare professional immediately." Dr John Foran,
Consultant Cardiac Electrophysiologist, The Harley Street Clinic
Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation is a minor keyhole surgical procedure that can provide
a cure for some types of arrhythmias where patients have not responded to
other treatments. With a success rate in excess of 90% for many arrhythmias
treated with this procedure and a very low risk of complications, patients
often make a full recovery within just a few days. The specialist consultants
from the London Arrhythmia Network provide the full range of heart health
check services and routinely perform catheter ablation procedures. For more
information, visit http://www.londonarrhythmianetwork.co.uk
The London Arrhythmia Network consists of London Bridge Hospital, The
Harley Street Clinic and The Wellington Hospital which are owned by private
hospital group, HCA International. Each hospital is a recognised Centre of
Excellence for cardiology and home to leading consultants specialising in
diagnosing and treating arrhythmia patients. Commitment to surgical quality,
patient care and the latest technology has virtually eliminated
hospital-acquired infections, such as MRSA, making the London Arrhythmia
Network the ideal choice for patients and doctors.
References
[1] YouGov Survey, 1,125 London adults aged 18+. Fieldwork 11th - 13th
March 2009"
[2] Department of Health. National Services Framework for Coronary Heart
Disease. Chapter Eight: Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death. March 2005
[3] London Bridge Hospital Website. Available here.
[4] The Wellington Hospital Website. Available
here.
[5] National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Website. Available
here.
[6] The London Arrhythmia Network Website. Available here.
[7] The Harley Street Clinic Website. Available here.
HCA