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 CNE Direct Energy Centre, Hall A, Booth|Toronto  |Aug 19-Sept 5|
    |#1308                                      |         |             |
    |___________________________________________|_________|_____________|
    |The 50 Plus Living show                    |Winnipeg |Oct  1-2     |
    |___________________________________________|_________|_____________|
    |Stroke Congress                            |Ottawa   |Oct 2-4      |
    |___________________________________________|_________|_____________|
    |HSF Stroke Collaborative                   |Toronto  |Oct 17       |
    |___________________________________________|_________|_____________|
    |Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC)     |Vancouver|Oct 22-26    |
    |___________________________________________|_________|_____________|
    |The Zoomer Show                            |Toronto  |Oct 29-30    |
    |___________________________________________|_________|_____________|
    |The 50 Plus Living Show                    |Calgary  |Nov 5-6      |
    |___________________________________________|_________|_____________|
    |The Zoomer Show                            |Vancouver|Nov 19-20    |
    |___________________________________________|_________|_____________|
    |Canadian Home/Cottage Life Show            |Toronto  |Nov 26-28    |
    |___________________________________________|_________|_____________|
    |HSF Clinical Update                        |Toronto  |Dec 9-10     |
    |___________________________________________|_________|_____________|

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