Some 40,000 Irish people over the age of 50 have atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition which significantly increases the risk of stroke, yet most are unaware they even have it, the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) has warned.

AF is a heart rhythm disorder that leads to an irregular heartbeat. While it often displays no symptoms, warning signs can include tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness and palpitations. People with AF are five times more likely to suffer a stroke than their peers without the condition.

Around 10,000 people suffer a stroke in Ireland every year and some 2,000 die as a result. AF is a major factor in one in three strokes.

The IHF is running a national radio awareness campaign between now and Christmas in an attempt to raise awareness about AF. The campaign also aims to encourage people to learn how to take their own pulse regularly, as this can detect the condition.

"Although AF is generally not life threatening, it is a serious condition and can lead to serious complications such as stroke and other heart problems. By knowing how to take your own pulse or by having it regularly checked, you can detect the condition.

"The recommended normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 heartbeats per minute but some people can have heart rates over 100. You should see your doctor if you have a persistent heart rate above 120 beats per minute or below 40 beats per minute," explained IHF medical director, Dr Angie Brown.

She emphasised that as AF is such a common cause of stroke in Ireland, if more cases of the condition were detected, ‘we could prevent more strokes and ultimately save lives'.

For more information on AF and how to check your own pulse, click here