Life Begins At » Knowing How to Measure your Pulse Could Save your Life
Health Mens Health Womens Health

Knowing How to Measure your Pulse Could Save your Life

heart rhythm weekOne in two Australian’s do not know how to measure  their pulse correctly, according to findings from an ACA Research[1] poll released by Arrhythmia Alliance.

Each year, more than 30,000 Australians die as a result of a heart rhythm disorder.[2] Heart rhythm disorders can also cause injury such as stroke which is estimated to cost Australia $5 billion annually. Tanya Hall, CEO of Arrhythmia Alliance Australia highlights “We acknowledge the economic and social impacts heart rhythm disease has on our community. Through appropriate detection and treatment, many of these deaths and injuries can be prevented. Through raising awareness, our hope is the 1 in 2 Australians who don’t know how to take their pulse will measure it today and in the future and perhaps avoid a potentially serious outcome.”

The release of these survey results coincides with international Heart Rhythm Week, 2-8 June 2014.

Medical staff at Gold Coast Hospital, Princess Alexander Hospital, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Auburn Hospital, Royal North Shore Hospital and Calvary Wakefield Hospital are among those participating in activities during Arrhythmia Alliance’s international Heart Rhythm Week by holding stands to raise awareness in undiagnosed arrhythmias.

According to Associate Professor Gerry Kaye, Electrophysiologist at Princess Alexandra Hospital, “The pulse rate can be very revealing. If fast, slow or irregular it can signal a potentially serious heart rhythm disorder and should be investigated by a doctor. Due to a lack of awareness of how to test a pulse, and what to do with the information, we can meet those patients too late. Through early detection and appropriate treatment, the outcomes for patients can be significantly better.”

References:

[1] Survey of 358 adults in Australia conducted by ACA Research, commissioned by Arrhythmia Alliance Australia

[2] Estimate as provided by the Australian Resuscitation Council. Results based on presentation of a similar case scenario during an independent market research study conducted in Australia in November 2006.

[related_ad category=”996″ max_size=”3″ title=”Related Offers”] [related_ad category=”6″ max_size=”3″ title=”Related Stories”]

About the author

Alana Lowes

Add Comment

Click here to post a comment