A Roller coaster isn't the only thing that'll make your heart race; get a pulse check this weekend at the EX!

The Heart and Stroke Foundation reveals "Be Pulse Aware" booth this weekend at the CNE

To view the Social Media Release, click here: http://smr.newswire.ca/en/heart-and-stroke-foundation/be-pulse-aware-booth-this-weekend-at-the-cne

TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Are you pulse aware? Well if not - you definitely should be, and this weekend presents the perfect opportunity. The Heart and Stroke Foundation urges you to stop by the "Be Pulse Aware" booth at the CNE (from August 19 to September 5, in the Direct Energy Centre, Hall A, booth #1308) to learn more about atrial fibrillation (AF) - because saving a life is as easy as checking a pulse. Dr. Paul Dorian, a renowned expert on AF, says that new guidelines released by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) late in 2010 represent a giant step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of the most common of heart rhythm disorders and will help prevent strokes related to AF.

"Right now, AF could be responsible for at least 15 per cent of all strokes in Canada," said Dorian, who is a long-time researcher with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Staff Cardiac Electrophysiologist at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto. "This number can only grow as our population ages. The new guidelines will contribute to our readiness and boost our effectiveness in dealing with these heart rhythm disorders."

More than 350,000 Canadians have AF, a heart rhythm disorder that can produce blood clots, the cause of ischemic strokes. Complicating the issue is the fact that some people with AF may have no symptoms. They may not even know they have the condition until they are tested with an electrocardiogram. Others may experience various symptoms, including an irregular or fast heartbeat, shortness of breath and dizziness. Strokes caused by AF may be more disabling than stroke caused by other risk factors. Fortunately, new, effective treatments for stroke prevention are available.

"Be Pulse Aware" Heart and Stroke Foundation booths at public events will raise awareness of atrial fibrillation and its dangers, while the booths at key health-care events this fall will further heighten awareness of the new guidelines.  The booths are scheduled at:

The new atrial fibrillation guidelines include the following recommendations:

• Treatment for rate control of persistent or permanent AF should aim for a resting heart rate of less than 100 bpm (beats per minute). This is based on strong studies demonstrating that ventricular rate control of AF is an effective treatment approach for many patients.
• The treatment goal of rhythm control should be improvement in patient symptoms and clinical outcomes. The choice of anti-arrhythmic drug therapy should be individualized, based on the patient's underlying heart disease and risk of adverse effects.
• All healthcare professionals be aware of AF and assess patients for hypertension and sleep apnea, two major risk factors.

The good news is that AF can be effectively treated with medication, and in some cases, surgery.  "We are beginning to develop highly effective strategies that can add many years of normal, productive life to people with AF," added Dorian.

For more information about atrial fibrillation, and to see a video of Dr. Dorian explaining the guidelines in more detail please go to www.heartandstroke.ca/AFIB

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living, and advocacy.  

SOURCE Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario