Raising Awareness of Atrial Fibrillation

23 February 2012

Chris Cottrell, Clinical lead on Atrial Fibrillation (AF) at Education for Health and a key opinion leader in this area, today invites visitors to our website to read her two recent articles on AF for Practice Nursing Journal. In the first article Chris considers the physiological factors that underlie, or can be indicative of AF, whilst, in the second, she discusses the epidemiology of AF and asks if more could be done to raise awareness of this serious, but often symptomless, condition. The third and final article in this series will appear in the March edition of Practice Nursing and will focus on the management of AF, out next week.

Up to 90% of AF events may be symptomless yet AF affects around 1.3% of the UK population and is believed to be responsible for more than 12,000 strokes per annum. Such events can shatter lives and place a huge burden on both families and the NHS.

Chris Cottrell explains:

“These articles explain atrial fibrillation in a way which, I hope, is accessible to all. As with many long term conditions AF is a growing concern and is linked to an ageing population. It is however a condition that can affect anyone of any age. If properly diagnosed it can be managed well but, if left untreated, it can cause major complications and ruin lives. This is why we must now do more to raise awareness of this condition.”

 You can read Chris’s articles here and here. Chris Cottrell, with Education for Health, run a number of courses – both workshops and diplomas – exploring AF and its treatment. For information about these courses click here, and click here to check course availability throughout 2012.  

< Back