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The new #NikeRestGest campaign highlights the growing number of patients who have atrial fibrillation and are not being treated for the disease. Its goal is to teach seniors to measure their heart rate regularly.
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most serious risk factors for stroke, affecting up to 11,000 people per year in Slovakia. In more than 20% of them, the cause of the stroke was atrial fibrillation. Although this disease is treatable today, Slovaks do not know the symptoms and are not treated.
Prevention is key
This is also why the Slovak Heart Arrhythmias Association (SASA) and the patient organization Sekunda pre život have launched a campaign called #NajkrajsieGesto. Through the campaign, they want to draw attention to the importance of prevention, which mainly consists of regular pulse measurement on the wrist or neck.
“Atrial fibrillation is a 21st century epidemic that primarily affects the elderly. This disease is well treatable, with both drugs and invasive techniques.” says Dr. Robert Hatala, President of the Slovak Association of Cardiac Arrhythmias and Head of the Department of Arrhythmias and Cardiac Stimulation of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NÚSCH) in Bratislava.
It is important for the patient to recognize the symptoms and consult a doctor in time. “Again, prevention is key. People over the age of 65 should regularly measure their heart rate. The #NakrajsieGesto campaign directly encourages them to do so.” describes the Hatala campaign.
Not just the elderly
“In Slovakia, the number of people diagnosed with atrial fibrillation is growing, not only in the over 65 age group”, the doctor points out Peter Hlivák, President Slovak Society of Cardiology and Deputy Director of the NÚSCH Arrhythmias and Cardiac Pacing Department in Bratislava.
In Slovakia, more than 120,000 patients suffer from this disease. “Early diagnosis of the disease and adequate treatment can protect patients from stroke. Sometimes it is enough to regularly measure the pulse with the fingers of one hand on the wrist or neck”, adds Hlivák.
The campaign is also supported by private medical technology companies Medtronic and Pfizer, as well as by various Slovak personalities, including actors, moderators and influencers.
Regular gesture
The communication campaign is mainly aimed at young people who follow social networks. Young people should talk to their parents and grandparents about atrial fibrillation and the need for regular heart rate measurements.
The pulse should be between 50 and 100 beats per minute, an irregular pulse could signal that the heart is not functioning properly.
“At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we, as a company, have become more sensitive and focused on helping and protecting the most vulnerable: our elderly. And with a nice gesture.” says Richard Fides of the Second for Life patient organization, which brings together stroke patients and patients with atrial fibrillation.
“Just as it is obvious that people at home measure their blood pressure today, they should also measure their heart rate regularly. This is the goal of this initiative. This is an important prevention against atrial fibrillation.” concludes Professor Robert Hatala.
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